Supracricoid laryngectomy

Surgery has been utilized as an approach for organ preservation of the larynx since the late 19th century, decades prior to Madame Curie's discovery of radium. But with the discovery of radium the pendulum of surgical versus nonsurgical organ preservation has swung one way or the other over the course of the 20th century. New procedures were developed during the 20th century such as the supraglottic laryngectomy to improve local control and functional outcomes. Supracricoid laryngectomy is one such procedure and can be a valuable option to preserve phonation, respiration, and swallowing function while maintaining excellent local oncologic control. This chapter reviews indications, contraindications, and anatomic considerations. Operative techniques are reviewed in detail, and outcomes and potential complications are discussed.