Innervated partial hemi‐tongue pseudoepiglottis: An experimental study

A conventional supraglottic laryngectomy with simultaneous bilateral arytenoidectomy and lateralization of the true vocal cords, in order to “freeze the glottic inlet,” was performed in 15 dogs. The posterior half of the hemi‐tongue was mobilized, everted and delivered into the hypopharynx where its free distal margins were sutured to a raw area created on the postcricoid and upper esophageal region. This flap constituted the innervated part hemi‐tongue pseudoepiglottis. The healing of the pseudoepiglottis was complete in eight dogs. Endoscopic examination demonstrated the pseudoepiglottis to cover the glottic inlet while the dog breathed around it. All these dogs ate solids and drank liquids by mouth. Four dogs demonstrated the ability to drink fluids well, as opposed to the rather laborious effort by the rest. Barium swallow showed the passage of dye over the superior surface of the pseudoepiglottis. The dogs were sacrificed at four to six weeks. A pneumonic process was demonstrable in one dog only. Prior to sacrifice the ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve was exposed in the neck of one dog. Its stimulation electrically demonstrated contraction of the pseudoepiglottis with elevation of the esophageal inlet.