Functional treatment of a large laryngeal chondrosarcoma by tracheal autotransplantation

Chondrosarcoma of the cricoid cartilage poses difficult therapeutic challenges. The tumor necessitates resection of parts of the cricoid cartilage with a resulting defect that is difficult to repair. We wanted to improve the functional outcome after resection of a lateralized chondrosarcoma by applying the technique of tracheal autotransplantation. The technique involves a 2-stage procedure, because the trachea needs at least 2 weeks for revascularization. Tracheal revascularization is the first stage, and is accomplished by wrapping the trachea in vascularized fascia (radial forearm). The second stage, performed after 14 days, consists of a hemilaryngectomy with tracheal autotransplantation. A case of a large unilateral chondrosarcoma of the cricoid cartilage with involvement of I cricoarytenoid joint is reported. The tumor was removed by hemicricohemilaryngectomy. After 2 weeks of tracheal revascularization, the cervical trachea was used to repair the laryngeal defect. The tumor was completely resected, and all laryngeal functions (swallowing, voice, respiration without tracheostomy) were restored. The patient remains tumor-free after a follow-up period of 3 years. Tracheal autotransplantation improves the functional treatment of lateralized chondrosarcomas of the cricoid cartilage.