Extended Transoral Resection of Anterior Commissure Tumors in a Canine Model: Impact on Laryngeal Framework, Glottis, and Vocal Function

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Evaluate the feasibility and functional outcomes of extended transoral resection for anterior commissure (AC) tumors in canines, focusing on laryngeal framework, airway, and vocal function. Methods Twelve dogs underwent endoscopic partial thyroid cartilage resection, randomized into: Group A (AC + adjacent cartilage), Group B (AC + left vocal cord anterior 1/3), Group C (AC + bilateral vocal cord anterior 1/3). Outcomes assessed included laryngoscopic healing, CT‐measured laminal angle (LA) and glottal area (GA), weight, and GRBAS vocal scores. Results The wound healed and epithelized in 4 weeks. Postoperative LA significantly decreased in all groups ( p ≤ 0.010), with the largest reduction in Group C ( p ≤ 0.030 vs. A/B). LA reduction ratio correlated with resected midline height (RMH) ( r = 0.546, p = 0.041) rather than resection factors of width and area. GA remained stable. Group C showed severe vocal impairment (GRBAS 8.67 ± 0.58 vs. 5.63 ± 0.48 in A, p = 0.008). Weight transiently decreased at day 7 but recovered by day 35. Conclusion Extended transoral resection effectively removes AC lesions while preserving airway dimensions. However, extensive resection causes significant vocal dysfunction, highlighting the balance between oncologic radicality and function preservation. The potential LA‐RMH correlation reveals the stabilizing characteristics of cartilaginous structures, offering preclinical insights for optimizing AC cancer surgery.