Total cricoidectomy in the treatment of laryngeal chondrosarcomas

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: Our goal was to describe a total cricoidectomy, a laryngeal-preserving procedure for the treatment of low-grade chondrosarcomas of the larynx. These extremely rare cartilaginous tumors arise in the cricoid cartilage in most cases. Although these are slow-growing and rarely metastasizing tumors, large chondrosarcomas of cricoid cartilage are generally treated with total laryngectomy. An oncologically radical but function-preserving approach would therefore be preferable.

Study design: Case series.

Methods: Three consecutive patients with low-grade chondrosarcomas of the larynx underwent total cricoidectomy from 1996 to 2004. An end-to-end anastomosis between the remaining larynx and the trachea was performed to restore the continuity of airways. In all cases the laryngeal lumen was stented using a Montgomery T-tube. Oncologic and functional results were observed during at least 6 years of follow-up.

Results: No evidence of tumor recurrence was detected during follow-up. One month after surgery, all patients were able to tolerate a soft diet and to speak satisfactorily. One patient was ultimately decannulated, and two patients still have a tracheostomy. However, even nondecannulated patients were able to keep the tracheostoma closed for most of the time, maintaining good phonatory and swallowing functions.

Conclusions: Total cricoidectomy with thyrotracheopexy may avoid the need for total laryngectomy in low-grade chondrosarcomas of the cricoid cartilage.