Enlarged approach to the anterior cervical spine

J Laryngol Otol. 2001 Dec;115(12):994-7. doi: 10.1258/0022215011909585.

Abstract

In this report a new enlarged approach to the anterior cervical spine is presented. A 66-year-old female, having a large C3-C4-C5 chordoma, recurrent after surgery and following radiotherapy, underwent a surgical resection. The approach allows a wide retraction of the nasopharynx, oropharynx and larynx from the midline, only sacrificing the superior laryngeal nerve on one side. Its continuity can be re-established later by adopting the stent in tube technique. The approach we used presents all the risks of infection common in trans-oral approaches. For this reason, closure of the pharynx in two layers must be meticulous and watertight and reinforced by using a myofascial sternocleidomastoid flap, according to the tracheoesophageal fistula closure technique. A correct alignment of the tongue, the pre-plating of the mandible and the correct suture of the vermillion border guarantee excellent cosmetic and functional results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cervical Vertebrae*
  • Chordoma / diagnosis
  • Chordoma / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery*
  • Oral Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome