Laryngeal compartmentalization after radiation therapy in a canine model.

Abstract

We set out to study the effects of radiation therapy on laryngeal tissue barriers in a canine model as described by Welsh. India ink was injected into 1 vocal fold on irradiated and nonirradiated canine larynges. The india ink dye spread more prominently into the supraglottis of the irradiated specimens by submucosal lymphatics. Larger dye volumes simulating larger tumor bulk spread to the contralateral larynx in irradiated specimens. Conservation laryngeal surgery for laryngeal carcinoma is a popular method of treatment. Some surgeons advocate partial laryngectomy for radiation failures; in other instances, it is the primary modality of treatment. These findings suggest a cautious approach when planning conservative laryngeal surgery after radiation therapy failures of glottic carcinoma.