Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of partial preservation of the cricoid cartilage ring in total laryngectomy. Method The clinical data of 32 patients with laryngeal carcinoma or hypopharyngeal carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent total laryngectomy with partial preservation of the cricoid cartilage ring. The cricoid cartilage arch was opened at the midline. Tracheostomy was performed with partial preservation of the cricoid cartilage ring. The tracheostomy was monitored postoperatively for inflammatory reactions, stenosis, and tumor recurrence. Results Of 32 patients who underwent this new tracheostomy technique following total laryngectomy, none required postoperative tracheal cannulation. The inflammatory reaction was less than with traditional tracheostomy. There was no tracheostomy stenosis or tumor recurrence during 12 to 60 months of follow-up. Conclusion Some patients with advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma underwent partial preservation of the cricoid cartilage ring during total laryngectomy and none required postoperative tracheal cannulation. This new tracheostomy technique not only reduced inflammatory reactions, irritating cough, and tracheostomy stenosis, but also shortened the time of postoperative recovery.

Key words: Cricoid cartilage, Laryngeal neoplasms, Hypopharyngeal neoplasms, Laryngectomy