[Near-total laryngectomy. Experience, complications and acoustic analysis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the oncological efficiency, voice and complications of Pearson's near-total laryngectomy for advanced laryngeal cancers (T3, T4).


METHODS
A retrospective review of 23 cases of near-total laryngectomy (carried out in our Hospital in the last nine years) was undertaken.


RESULTS
None of the cases developed laryngeal mucosal recurrences. The overall three and five years disease free survival were 91,3% and 86,9%. Mean phonation time was 51 days. A statistically significant results were observed in our voice analysis (words/minute, taking as a reference healthy people (Medivoz). The pharyngeal fistula was the most frequent complication (60,86%).


CONCLUSIONS
The local control of cancer was similar to that expected with total laryngectomy. Near-total laryngectomy is a valid alternative for extended laryngeal and neighbouring cancers with an acceptable morbidity and success rate for voice preservation.
de Paula Vernetta
C
C
Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia. carlospaula@telefonica.net
de la Fuente Arjona
L
L
García Callejo
F J
FJ
Ramírez Sabio
J B
JB
Marco Algarra
J
J
D000162:Acoustics; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013071:Speech, Alaryngeal