Scarless Neck Feminization by Transoral Endoscopic Vestibular Approach Chondrolaryngoplasty: A Prospective Cohort

Hagit Shoffel-Havakuk*, Oded Cohen, Yonatan Lahav, Avi Khafif

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Chondrolaryngoplasty (laryngeal-prominence reduction) is a gender affirmation surgery for transgender women, or for cisgender people desiring an esthetic correction. Up until recently, chondrolaryngoplasty required a visible neck scar. The transoral endoscopic vestibular approach (TOEVA) is gaining widespread use as a scarless alternative for thyroid/parathyroid surgeries. This study aims to describe the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of TOEVA-chondrolaryngoplasty, based on the first-ever performed cases. Study Design: A prospective cohort. Setting: An academic referral center. Methods: Adult patients interested in chondrolaryngoplasty underwent scarless TOEVA-chondrolaryngoplasty between 2019 and 2022, according to the described protocol. Video stroboscopy was recorded pre-and postoperatively. Surgical data, adverse events, and complications were recorded. Patients' satisfaction was measured using an outcome instrument for esthetic chondrolaryngoplasty. Results: Twelve patients (10 transgender women, a cisgender man, and a woman) were included. The mean age was 26.7 ± 6.5 years, ranging from 19 to 37. The average operative time was 3:01 ± 0:51 hours. The thyroid cartilage and laryngeal prominence were easily and safely approached and reduced, with no adverse events or major complications. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. A single patient had a temporary mental nerve hypoesthesia that resolved spontaneously. Otherwise, no other complications were encountered. Vocal folds' function remained unchanged in all patients. Patients were very much to completely satisfied with the surgical results as measured by the outcome instrument; median (interquartile range), 25 (21-27.75). Conclusion: In this first reported cohort of scarless TOEVA-chondrolaryngoplasty, this approach was proven to be safe and feasible, with no adverse events or major complications, and with high patient satisfaction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)31-40
Number of pages10
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume169
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2023

Keywords

  • chondrolaryngoplasty
  • neck feminization
  • scarless
  • transoral endoscopic vestibular approach

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