We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 March 2006
In this report a new enlarged approach to the anterior cervical spine is presented. A 66-year-old female, having a large C3-C4-C5 chordoma, recurrent after surgery and following radiotherapy, underwent a surgical resection.
The approach allows a wide retraction of the nasopharynx, oropharynx and larynx from the midline, only sacrificing the superior laryngeal nerve on one side.
Its continuty can be re-established later by adopting the stent in tube technique. The approach we used presents all the risks of infection common in trans-oral approaches. For this reason, closure of the pharynx in two layers must be meticulous and watertight and re-inforced by using a myofascial sternocleidomastoid flap, according to the trachoesophageal fistula closure technique. A correct alignment of the tongue, the pre-plating of the mandible and the correct suture of the vermillion border guarantee excellent cosmetic and functional results.
