Cricohyoidoepiglotto-pexy (CHEP) and Cricohyoido-pexy (CHP) are indicated for early stage and selected advanced stage laryngeal cancers. In this subtotal laryngeal surgery, thyroid cartilage is removed along with its intrinsic tissues leaving both arytenoids. The laryngeal defect is closed by approximating and fixing the cricoid cartilage to the hyoid bone.
Between 1997 and 2000, four patients received CHEP and one patient received CHP at our institute. The average admission dates were 110 days. Decanulation and initiation of swallowing rehabilitation were achieved at a mean of 22 and 40 post-operative days respectively. All patients acquired breathy but satisfactory vocal function shortly after surgery. Three patients obtained excellent swallowing function after 1 month of intense rehabilitation. Two patients still have some difficulty with liquid foods. The clinical and technical problems, which might affect the postoperative course, are discussed in detail.