A Fine-cut Technique for Permanent Laryngeal Sectioning

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A new technique for permanent sectioning of the human spinal cord has provided superior images over those produced with traditional methods. Application of this technique for sections of the human larynx may yield cost-effective, efficient, and accurate laryngeal anatomic dissections. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was designed to evaluate this technique for dissections of the human larynx. Laryngeal sections from cadavers were submerged in a celloidin solution, a derivative of wallpaper plaster, and frozen to -15°C. After preparation, axial and coronal cuts of 100 μm were made with a Macrocut Tome sectioning system. RESULTS: Sections were completed in approximately 30 hours. Digitized photographs of the laryngeal sections provide detailed images of precise anatomic relationships. CONCLUSION: Celloidin-based sectioning of the human larynx yields precise anatomic information beyond standard radiographic imagining and previous permanent laryngeal sectioning techniques in a cost-efficient and timely manner. Black and white fine-section photographs are provided. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001; 124:31-4.)