Finesse in Chondrolaryngoplasty

Prominent thyroid cartilage (pomus Adamus) is frequently a constant embarrassment to the male transsexual as well as to the asthenic male. The demand for reduction and contouring of the pomus Adamus continues to increase in our societies today. Since our first presentation of this procedure, we have been able to follow 31 patients over a 17-year period. We present a review of our technique of chondrolaryngoplasty, with anatomic details and a follow-up of 31 patients ranging from 4 months to 17 years. The results are effective and satisfying, with few complications. Those which do occur tend to be transient, with the most frequent being a temporary mild voice weakness. We believe this operation has a place among the techniques of plastic surgeons.

To describe a surgical and anesthetic technique for chondrolaryngoplasty ("tracheal shaving") involving external translaryngeal needle insertion under general anesthesia, using a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and laryngeal mask airway.