R R

What Is Supracricoid Laryngectomy?

Supracricoid laryngectomy is a partial laryngectomy that removes much of the larynx above the cricoid while preserving structures needed for breathing, swallowing, and voice production. The operation removes the thyroid cartilage and involved laryngeal tissues while retaining the cricoid and at least one functioning arytenoid. Depending on tumor location, the epiglottis can be preserved or removed. The remaining laryngeal structures are reconstructed so the patient can potentially breathe without a permanent tracheostomy and produce a functional voice.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Supracricoid Laryngectomy?

Supracricoid laryngectomy is a partial laryngectomy that removes much of the larynx above the cricoid while preserving structures needed for breathing, swallowing, and voice production. The operation removes the thyroid cartilage and involved laryngeal tissues while retaining the cricoid and at least one functioning arytenoid. Depending on tumor location, the epiglottis can be preserved or removed. The remaining laryngeal structures are reconstructed so the patient can potentially breathe without a permanent tracheostomy and produce a functional voice.

read more about supracricoid laryngectomy ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

Why Is Supracricoid Laryngectomy Performed?

The operation is used for carefully selected laryngeal cancers when tumor control is possible without removing the entire larynx. It can be considered for selected intermediate-stage glottic or supraglottic cancers and, in some cases, for cancer that persists or returns after radiation treatment. Tumor extent, arytenoid mobility, subglottic spread, cartilage involvement, lung function, swallowing ability, and overall health affect candidacy. Patients whose disease cannot be completely removed with a function-preserving operation generally require another treatment approach.

How Is Supracricoid Laryngectomy Performed?

The surgeon removes the diseased laryngeal structures while preserving the cricoid and enough functional tissue to reconstruct the airway. When the epiglottis is preserved, reconstruction can use a cricohyoidoepiglottopexy, while removal of the epiglottis can require a cricohyoidopexy. The remaining arytenoid and surrounding structures help create a new functional laryngeal valve for speech and swallowing. A temporary tracheostomy and feeding tube are commonly used while swelling decreases and swallowing function recovers.

What Is Recovery Like After Supracricoid Laryngectomy?

Early recovery focuses on airway safety, wound healing, pulmonary care, nutrition, and prevention of aspiration. Swallowing rehabilitation is a major part of recovery because patients must learn to protect the airway using the reconstructed larynx. Oral eating is resumed only after swallowing is considered safe enough, and the feeding tube can remain until nutrition is adequate. Voice quality changes permanently, but many patients regain understandable speech and can eventually have the temporary tracheostomy removed.

What Are the Risks and Complications?

Possible complications include bleeding, infection, pneumonia, airway narrowing, wound problems, and complications related to anesthesia. Aspiration and swallowing difficulty are common concerns during recovery and can occasionally remain severe. Granulation tissue, laryngeal stenosis, or problems with the surgical reconstruction can interfere with breathing or decannulation. Cancer recurrence can still occur and can require additional treatment, including total laryngectomy in some patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supracricoid Laryngectomy

Is supracricoid laryngectomy a total laryngectomy?

No. It is a partial laryngectomy that preserves selected laryngeal structures. Total laryngectomy removes the entire larynx and permanently separates the airway from the mouth and nose.

Can a person speak after supracricoid laryngectomy?

Yes. The voice is altered because the normal vocal folds are no longer intact, but many patients develop a functional voice using the reconstructed larynx.

Is a permanent tracheostomy always required?

No. A temporary tracheostomy is commonly used during healing, but successful reconstruction is intended to permit eventual decannulation in suitable patients.

Why can swallowing be difficult after supracricoid laryngectomy?

The surgery changes the normal laryngeal structures that protect the airway during swallowing. Rehabilitation helps patients learn new swallowing strategies and reduce aspiration.

References

Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy: Oncological and Functional Outcomes. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8789500/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.

Functional Analysis of Swallowing Outcomes After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4012760/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.

Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy With Cricohyoidoepiglottopexy and Cricohyoidopexy for Glottic and Supraglottic Carcinomas. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10764009/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.

Complications and functional outcome after supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9450842/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.

Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy in the Management of T3 Laryngeal Cancer. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23921496/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.