The previous post was a discussion on why a transplant is not the best option for patients who has lost their larynx, and this generally holds true. The post was motivated by the publication of the global experience of laryngeal transplantation, which has shown limited experience and modest results, especially when compared to the current standards in organ transplantation.
However, this week brought news. A team from Mayo Clinic reported a new and highly unusual case published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. This case involved a patient with a low-grade laryngeal malignancy requiring a laryngectomy. The procedure could be delayed to wait for a suitable donor, and the patient was already under immunosuppression due to a previous transplant. The program was prepared, and the patient accepted the treatment.
The challenge here is clear: developing a standard procedure for such rare and complex cases is incredibly difficult, both technically and organizationally. This situation is reminiscent of another rare procedure in head and neck surgery: face transplants, which are still counted in cases worldwide.
Despite these challenges, the path for development is set.
J Granell. July 12, 2024
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