Laryngeal framework surgery: a proposal for classification and nomenclature by the Phonosurgery Committee of the European Laryngological Society

Laryngeal framework surgery, developed by Isshiki in the 1970s, is one of t he most dynamic areas of phonosurgery and these procedures have served to c onsiderably widen our spectrum and options for surgical improvement and/or changing of voice. As these techniques became more accepted and became comm on throughout the world, several new surgical modifications and different t erms have been introduced. These new developments have lead to a confusion regarding terminology and types which make it difficult to communicate betw een and to compare the results of different authors. In an effort to create a more precise and descriptive list of definitions and terms, the Phonosur gery Committee of the European Laryngological Society has developed a new t erminology for laryngeal framework surgery. In accordance with the concept of Isshiki, four types can be separated according to the intended purpose o f the surgery: Approximation laryngoplasty: medialization thyroplasty, arytenoid adduction Expansion laryngoplasty: lateralization thyroplasty, vocal fold abduction Relaxation laryngoplasty: shortening thyroplasty Tensioning laryngoplasty: cricothyroid approximation, elongation thyroplast y The proposed terms are functionally oriented and related closely to the int ended purpose of the procedure or related to the underlying pathogenesis of the dysphonia. This new classification should provide a general framework suited not only to classify the current techniques but also to easily apply and adapt to include new procedures and future developments as necessary.