Total laryngectomy and autogenous reconstruction observations in an experimental series in canines

Abstract

Twenty‐six dogs underwent total laryngectomy and autogenous reconstruction of the pharynx for the purpose of construction of a pseudolarynx. This simplified larynx demonstrated that it subserved the three major functions of the larynx; respiration, deglutition, and phonation in six of our 26 dogs which survived long enough for meaningful evaluation. Our surgical endeavors involve one of the most critical of areas in the body “the crossroads for air and food.” Despite some aspiration which we are still encountering with our present technique, the innervated tongue flap holds promise as a possible solution to this problem, and a detailed report will be submitted in due course.