Phonomicrosurgery for posterior glottic lesions using triangular laryngoscope

Abstract

It is important to fully expose the posterior glottis to achieve adequate phonomicrosurgical resection of lesions in the posterior glottis. However, it is often difficult to obtain a sufficient view of the posterior glottis by ordinary direct laryngoscopy. We attempted to expose posterior glottic lesions using a triangular laryngoscope for adequate achievement of the surgery. We have performed phonomicrosurgery for 14 lesions in the posterior glottis including 5 early cancers, 1 dysplasia, 1 hemangioma, and 7 granulomatous lesions. Under general anesthesia, a triangular laryngoscope was set lateral to an intubation tube, shifting the tube anterolaterally toward the opposite side to expose the posterior glottis, which allowed simultaneous visualization of the vocal fold, the lateral wall, and a part of the posterior wall of the posterior glottis. The procedures were completed successfully in all cases. Modified placement of the triangular laryngoscope provided an excellent surgical view including the membranous portion of the vocal fold through the posterior glottis. All lesions have been well controlled during the follow up periods of 6–23 months. The triangular laryngoscope enables an alternative method for posterior glottic exposure. Modified placement of the laryngoscope can be easily performed and provides sufficient exposure of posterior glottic lesions for an adequate resection of those lesions.