Supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for patients with laryngeal cicatricial stenosis: Safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND: We assessed the safety and efficacy of supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (SCL-CHEP) in patients with laryngeal cicatricial stenosis. METHODS: Sixteen patients receiving SCL-CHEP for severe laryngeal cicatricial stenosis between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed. Decannulation rate and tracheostomy closure time were used to evaluate efficacy. The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), Voice-related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) scale and Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain (GRBAS) scale were used to assess vocal function. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), and Swallow Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) were used to assess swallowing function. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (81.25%) were decannulated successfully. The average tracheostomy closure time was 45.15 days. There was no observed postoperative complications or recurrence of stenosis. VHI-10 and V-RQOL scores showed significantly improved V-RQOL (p < 0.05). FEES-PAS, EAT-10, and SWAL-QOL showed no swallowing function damage. CONCLUSIONS: SCL-CHEP is effective and safe for patients with severe laryngeal cicatricial stenosis. Accurate pre-procedure evaluation is especially important for patient selection and surgical success.