Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gvvz8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-24T17:00:13.939Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Enlarged approach to the anterior cervical spine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

G. Succo
Affiliation:
Department of ENT I, University of Turin, Italy
A. Solini
Affiliation:
Orthopaedic Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Battista, Turin, Italy
E. Crosetti
Affiliation:
Department of ENT I, University of Turin, Italy
G. Gargiulo
Affiliation:
Orthopaedic Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Battista, Turin, Italy
A. Sartoris
Affiliation:
Department of ENT I, University of Turin, Italy

Abstract

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.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2001

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)