Epiglottopexy: a new surgical technique to prevent intractable aspiration.

Severe derangement of the protective function of the larynx results in intractable aspiration with secondary life-threatening pneumonia. The new surgical technique of epiglottopexy is described, which in addition to achieving protection of the laryngeal inlet, allows preservation of speech and in certain cases an adequate laryngeal airway. The advantages over current alternative treatment methods is discussed, and the results of five cases of gross laryngeal incompetence managed by epiglottopexy are presented.