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Historically, major extirpative surgery for control of head and neck cancer developed well in advance of reconstructive procedures that could provide acceptable functional and cosmetic rehabilitation. Introduction of cutaneous axial and random flaps— followed more recently by the description of musculocutaneous flaps—represented major advances in reconstructive techniques.

We introduce a new concept of electronic videophotography of the larynx on the television screen using a new Mitsubishi video printer. With this method no standard film or chemical processing are used. Black and white prints of the television image can be electronically reproduced in less than 15 seconds by pressing a button on the video printer. This method is of great value for documentation of the progression of disease and comparison of the preoperative and postoperative appearances of the larynx. The printout of the black and white television image of the larynx can be attached to the patient's chart as a permanent pictorial record. Such prints can also be given to the patient or can be sent to the referring physician, the radiotherapist, and others involved in managment of the patient. This method is also useful for demonstration of a pathological condition and for teaching at head and neck tumor conferences.

Historically, major extirpative surgery for control of head and neck cancer developed well in advance of reconstructive procedures that could provide acceptable functional and cosmetic rehabilitation. Introduction of cutaneous axial and random flaps— followed more recently by the description of musculocutaneous flaps—represented major advances in reconstructive techniques.