Severe laryngeal fracture treated by supracricoid laryngectomy

J Laryngol Otol. 2010 Nov;124(11):1239-41. doi: 10.1017/S0022215110001374. Epub 2010 Jun 11.

Abstract

Objective: To report a rare case of severe laryngeal fracture treated by supracricoid laryngectomy. Previously, a few cases of major laryngeal trauma treated by reconstructive laryngectomy have been briefly described. This paper aims to comprehensively document a rare case of severe laryngeal fracture for which this difficult treatment choice represented an acceptable option.

Methods: A 33-year-old woman sustained very serious blunt laryngeal trauma. The complexity of the laryngeal injuries led us to opt for supracricoid laryngectomy, rather than to attempt laryngeal repair.

Results: The post-operative course was normal. The patient's post-operative voice was breathy but functional. No airway stenoses occurred.

Conclusion: For severe laryngeal fractures, reparative procedures and stenting constitute the standard treatment. However, in selected and especially critical cases, a primary partial or reconstructive laryngectomy is justifiable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Dysphonia / etiology
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Female
  • Fractures, Cartilage / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Cartilages / injuries*
  • Laryngeal Cartilages / surgery
  • Laryngeal Diseases / surgery*
  • Laryngectomy / methods*
  • Laryngoscopy