Pignat's vertical partial laryngectomy: surgical technique of crico-hyoido-epiglotto-plasty

Vertical partial laryngectomies (VPl) have been introduced by several authors with some differences in laryngeal reconstruction. VPl with crico-hyoido-epiglotto-plasty (ChEPl) has been proposed by Pignat in 1999. the objective of this paper was to describe Pignat’s surgical technique. after larynx exposure, vertical sections of the thyroid cartilage are performed. the key step of Pignat’s technique is the solidarization of the laryngo-tracheal axis to the hyoid bone preserving the physiological larynx height with 3 absorbable wires, passing below the cricoid, through the remaining epiglottis and above the hyoid bone. three horizontal suture wires are placed between the remaining external perichondrium of each side passing below the vertical suture wires, to create a wires net. anterior closure is guaranteed by median suture of subhyoid muscles. Pignat’s VPl with ChEPl has good oncologic and very good functional outcomes. its advantages allow to reduce hospital stay.