The CT evaluation of neoarytenoid soft tissue after an arytenoidectomy during a supracricoid partial laryngectomy

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative laryngeal CT findings of neoarytenoid soft tissue at an arytenoidectomy site during a supracricoid partial laryngectomy, and to compare its thickness to the mucosa over the spared arytenoid cartilage. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one patients underwent a supracricoid partial laryngectomy with (n = 14) or without (n = 17) an arytenoidectomy. A postoperative laryngeal CT examination was performed to statistically compare the thickness of the neoarytenoid soft tissue to the mucosa over the spared arytenoids. Results: The neoarytenoid soft tissue revealed an eccentric prominence in all 14 arytenoidectomy sites. Further, the neoarytenoid soft tissue was consistently thicker than the mucosa over spared arytenoids cartilage (p < 0.01), however did not exceed 11 mm. Conclusion: The eccentric prominence of neoarytenoid soft tissue at the arytenoidectomy site during a supracricoid partial laryngectomy should be identified and distinguished from a recurrent mass when compared to spared arytenoid cartilage on a postoperative laryngeal CT.