Chondrolaryngoplasty under general anesthesia using a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope and laryngeal mask airway

Objectives: 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. Design: Retrospective review of 31 patients who underwent chondrolaryngoplasty performed by a single surgeon. Setting: Academic medical center. Patients: Thirty-one consecutive patients presenting for aesthetic treatment of their thyroid cartilage. Results: The procedures were all successful, with no voice complications and only 1 transient anesthetic complication. Conclusion: Chondrolaryngoplasty with translaryngeal needle placement to identify the level of the anterior commissure is a safe, effective surgical technique that minimizes the most significant risks of the surgical procedure.