RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The various methods of the laryngeal reconstruction have been tried attesting to the challenge of minimizing complications such as aspiration, airway obstruction, and hoarseness after surgery. But, no ideal reconstruction material was found. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes and clinical applications after reconstruction by sternohyoid muscle with external thyroid perichondrium or its fascia following vertical hemilaryngectomy in the dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine of 12 dogs, underwent reconstruction of laryngeal defect by bipedicled sternohyoid muscle flap with perichondrium(Group I) and muscle fascia itself(Group II), were investigated. RESULTS: Larynges were investigated for a 8-week period in perichondrium group and 32-week in fascia and were analyzed by clinical, endoscopic and histologic assessment. Author's results were summarized as follows: 1) Patent airway without aspiration was seen in all cases. 2) Under the endoscope, it was found that granulation tissue was developed in early period, but pseudocord development and position in both group were similar. 3) In the histological examination, mucosal reepithelization was done by pseudostratified squamous epithelium in the vocal cord. Although slow pseudocord development and many inflammation were seen in fascia group, similar results was found in both group in long term follow-up. CONCLUSION: The perichondial group were superior in infection, reepithelization of glottis, but similar results were seen in fascia group in long term follow-up. So fascia graft for glottic reconstruction is useful method in large laryngeal defect.