Objective: To observe the appliance value of epiglottis in laryngeal function reconstruction after partial laryngectomy.
Methods: Thirty-two cases of glottic and superglottic carcinomas of larynx had conducted partial laryngectomy and the laryngeal function was reconstructed using epiglottis from December. 1992 to January 1996.
Results: Nineteen of the twenty-one glottic carcinomas and five of eleven supraglottic carcinomas were decannulated and recovered with laryngeal functions. All the patients rehabilitated deglutition in 14-18 days after surgery. None presented complication of aspiration.
Conclusions: Epiglottis has many advantages in partial laryngectomy and the laryngeal reconstruction. It is easy to approach, apply and heal in short period. It also prevents aspiration and improves the decannulation rate as well as the quality of life in partial laryngectomy patients.