The external approach for submucosal lesions of the larynx

OBJECTIVE., The surgical excision of benign submucosal lesions of the laryn x can be performed using a variety of techniques including direct laryngosc opy and external approaches. We propose that small submucosal lesions of th e larynx can be removed via the external approach without a tracheotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Six patients at The Long Island Jewish Medical Center and at the N ew York University School of Medicine underwent an external approach for th e removal of benign submucosal laryngeal lesions without tracheotomies. Les ions included a mixed laryngopyocele, an internal laryngopyocele, a mixed l aryngocele, a paraganglioma, a neurilemmoma and a lymphoma. Followup ranged from I to 9 years. RESULTS: All patients were female with an average age of 72. No patient req uired a tracheotomy. One patient remained intubated for 24 hours postoperat ively to ensure an adequate airway. Mild dysphagia was noted in all patient s, but it was short-lived and did not require alternate methods of alimenta tion. There have been no recurrences of disease. CONCLUSION: The external approach without tracheotomy allows for good expos ure with minimal functional disability for the removal of benign submucosal lesions of the larynx.