Chondrolaryngoplasty

This procedure is also called a “tracheal shave.”

It is done by UCHealth’s Integrated Transgender Program and the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Taking out or making the thyroid cartilage smaller (chondrolaryngoplasty):

The thyroid cartilage is also known as the “Adam’s apple.” It is found in the front of the neck (your throat) and is usually thought of as a masculine feature. This is because ithe Adam’s apple is often more noticeable in males.

The surgery to remove the thyroid cartilage uses 2 different methods. These methods are called indirect and direct. The most common surgery is indirect. The indirect method makes an incision (a surgical cut) under the chin. This makes the scar harder to see after you heal. Then, the noticeable cartilage (the part of the Adam’s apple that sticks out) is shaved off. This will give the front part of the neck a smoother look.

Risks and complications of having this surgery:

While most people have good results, there are risks to having any surgery. This includes risks after surgery and possible complications. We will help you through any complications you may have.

General risks from having surgery:

• Infection, bleeding or fluid buildup (e.g., seroma, hematoma).
• Slow wound healing.
• Injury to nearby structures, organs, nerves or vessels.
• Having an uneven look.
• Abnormal shape that needs revision (more surgery or treatment).
• Changes in feeling.
• Long-lasting (or chronic) pain.
• Looks different than what was hoped for.
• Abnormal scarring including raised scarring (called keloids).

Specific risks from this surgery:

• Short- or long-term voice changes.
• Sore throat, hoarseness.
• Swelling of neck and trouble swallowing.
• Need for tracheostomy (surgery to make an opening in the throat)—this is very rare.

Chondrolaryngoplasty surgery information:

• You will have a small incision (surgical cut) on your neck. You will have stitches and a dressing covering the stitches (either surgical glue or tapes) after the surgery.
• We will make sure you can drink and eat without having any problems before you leave the hospital.
• You will start by eating a diet of only soft foods. You can eat solid foods if you do not have any problems swallowing.
• It is normal to have some hoarseness or voice changes for the first few weeks. These are often short term and should get better.

What to expect after surgery:

• You can take a shower 2 days after surgery.
• You will need to sleep on your back for the first 2 weeks.
• Do not put any direct pressure on the front of your neck for the first 2 weeks.
• Keep your head above your heart level as much as possible for the first 2 weeks. This may help you have less swelling.
• Do not do any strenuous activities (anything that makes you work hard) for the first 3 weeks after surgery.
• Do not shave the area around the incision for the first 4 weeks after surgery.

Pain control:

• We will give you a small amount of opioid medicines to take right after surgery.
• You will be given a schedule for how often to take Tylenol.
• You can start taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, etc.) 2 days after your surgery.

Call our office right away during office hours (720.848.9200) or go to the ER if you have any of these:

• Fever higher than 100.4 F.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Persistent heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute.
• Pain that is getting worse, redness or drainage at the incision sites.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Bleeding from your nose that does not stop with light pressure or nasal spray.
• Trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Vision changes.
• Weakness or numbness in your arms or legs.

After office hours and on weekends, call 720.848.0000 and ask for the ENT doctor on call. Wait on the phone while the operator pages the doctor. If you are not able to reach a health care provider, call the emergency department at 720.848.9111.

©2021, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora

December 2021

Chondrolaryngoplasty_ENT