Preepiglottic Space: An Anatomic Study

Abstract

The relation of hyoid bone to the preepiglottic space was studied in human larynges by dissection and dye injections. It was found that removal of the hyoid bone is not essential to the complete removal of the preepiglottic space. Preservation of the hyoid bone may be worth considering if it minimizes the swallowing problems associated with a supraglottic laryngectomy. Other findings were the presence of a septum in the preepiglottic space and a prethyroid bursa. The space does not contain any lymph nodes.