Endoscopic cordectomy. a proposal for a classification by the Working Committee, European Laryngological Society

The European Laryngological Society is proposing a classification of differ ent laryngeal endoscopic cordectomies in order to ensure better definitions of postoperative results. We chose to keep the word "cordectomy" even for partial resections because it is the term most often used in the surgical l iterature. The classification comprises eight types of cordectomies: a sube pithelial cordectomy (type I), which is resection of the epithelium; a subl igamental cordectomy (type II), which is a resection of the epithelium, Rei nke's space and vocal ligament; transmuscular cordectomy (type III), which proceeds through the vocalis muscle; total cordectomy (type IV); extended c ordectomy, which encompasses the contralateral vocal fold and the anterior commissure (type Va); extended cordectomy, which includes the arytenoid (ty pe Vb); extended cordectomy, which encompasses the subglottis (type Vc); an d extended cordectomy, which includes the ventricle (type Vd). Indications for performing those cordectomies may vary from surgeon to surgeon. The ope rations are classified according to the surgical approach used and the degr ee of resection in order to facilitate use of the classification in daily p ractice. Each surgical procedure ensures that a specimen is available for h istopathological examination.