COMPLICATIONS IN EQUINE LARYNGEAL SURGERY

Abstract

SUMMARYSurgery on the larynx as is seen in most cases today is either a laryngotomy in which the laryngeal saccules are removed or a laryngoplasty procedure in which the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage is sutured to the cricoid cartilage or the combination of both. Continued research in this area might lead to a better surgical technique than laryngoplasty. At this time laryngoplasty has apparently increased the efficacy of surgery treatment on the larynx by at least 20% over the long advocated laryngeal saccule removal.It is of interest to note that in comparing the larynx of man and the horse that innervation and musculature are very similar. Perhaps in viewing laryngeal paralysis in man better understanding of the etiology and perhaps the surgical approach may be obtained. But, as pointed out by Cook1, man is not judged by how fast he can run a mile as opposed to the horse.