Transoral Chondrolaryngoplasty: Scarless Reduction of the Adam’s Apple

Abstract

The purpose of our study is to test the feasibility of transoral thyroid chondrolaryngoplasty using a similar approach to transoral thyroidectomy. This approach would allow for gender-affirming surgery while avoiding an external neck scar. We carried out our cadaveric feasibility study in an anatomy laboratory at an academic center. Five fresh cadavers were used for this study. We used a lower oral vestibular incision, along with retractors and an endoscope to dissect and gain access to the laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage. Portions of the laryngeal prominence were then removed using scissors to achieve a satisfactory neck contour. Endoscopic as well as extracorporeal photographs were taken to demonstrate the approach. We were able to remove the laryngeal prominence successfully in all of our cadaveric specimens with this transoral approach.