Functional analysis of post - cordectomy larynx reconstructed with vestibular fold flap Summary

Several reports of techniques for larynx reconstruction after partial vertical laryngectomy are available in the literature, some of them using structures of the larynx itself such as the vestibular fold, but few have emphasized analysis of laryngeal function after reconstruction. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess laryngeal function in patients submitted to total or complete cordectomy (type IV) followed by reconstruction with vestibular fold flap. Study design: Cohort transversal. Material and Method: Ten patients, nine males and one female aged 45 to 75 years (mean age: 64.5 years), with glottis carcinomas treated by total or complete cordectomy (type IV) and reconstructed with vestibular fold flap were submitted to videolaryngostroboscopy for assessment of laryngeal permeability, flap positioning, laryngeal closure, arytenoid movement, characteristics of speech sound source (vibrating or frictional) and, when the source was vibrating, location and structures of the sound source. Voice quality was evaluated by perceptual acoustic assessment and by objective computer analysis. The function of lower airway protection during swallowing was analyzed by endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Results: There was no need to maintain tracheostomy during the late postoperative period since the reconstructed laryngeal lumen remained pervious. The function of airway protection during swallowing was preserved in all patients, with full coaptation of laryngeal structures in 30% of the cases and one patient presented immobility of the operated hemilarynx in midline position. Vibrating sound source was detected in 90% of the cases and was located in the glottic region in seven patients. The vestibular fold flap participated in the composition of the vibrating sound source in all cases. Computerized analysis revealed the following mean values: fundamental frequency, 177.5 Hz, jitter 1.11% and shimmer 7.04%. Using GRBAS scale we observed normal voice in one patient and four patients with discrete dysphonia. Conclusions: Laryngeal reconstruction with vestibular fold flap after cordectomy was able to maintain laryngeal function, providing normal voice according to perceptive auditory or acoustic analysis (fundamental frequency, 205 Hz, jitter 0.13% and shimmer 1.16%), with full coaptation of laryngeal structures in 30% of the cases, vibrating sound source in the glottic region in 70% and participation of the flap as a vibrating structure in 90%, as well as the maintenance of the laryngeal functions of breathing and airway protection during swallowing.