Laryngeal reconstruction with free nonvascularized grafts from the buccal mucosa

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the suitability of nonvascularized healthy buccal mucosal graft in reconstruction of subglottic defects. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted over an 11-year period from 1985 to 1995. Seven nonvascularized healthy bucca[ mucosal grafts were used to provide coverage for subglottic defects. The indications for surgery included chondrosarcoma of the cricoid including two recurrent tumors and one patient with recurrent subglottic benign laryngeal stenosis. No stenting was used. Period of follow-up ranged from 1 to 10 years. Results: Graft take was successful in all cases without complications. Conclusion: Healthy nonvascularized bucca[ mucosal graft is suitable for reconstruction of subglottic defects, Stenting is not required. Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B, Saunders Company.