Cordectomy by CO2 laser or radiotherapy for small T1a glottic carcinomas: costs, local control, survival, quality of life, and voice quality.
BACKGROUND
The clinical results of radiotherapy and endoscopic cordectomy for T1a glottic carcinoma are reported to be similar, but costs of both treatments may differ. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the costs, voice quality, quality of life, and clinical results of both treatments.


METHODS
Costs and effects from the first visit up to 2 years of follow-up were calculated, based on chart data of 35 and 54 patients who were treated with curative intent for T1a glottic carcinoma from 1995 to 1999 with radiotherapy and endoscopic cordectomy, respectively. Voice quality and quality of life were evaluated by means of patient questionnaires.


RESULTS
Total costs (in Euros) of radiotherapy and CO(2)-laser cordectomy were 8322 euro and 4434 euro, respectively, including the costs of treating possible recurrences. The effects of both treatments were equal, including voice quality and quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that endoscopic cordectomy is an efficient alternative for radiotherapy for these patients.
Goor
Kim M
KM
Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Institute for Medical Technology Assessment/Department of Health Policy and Management, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands. k.goor@erasmusmc.nl
Peeters
A Jeanne G E
AJ
Mahieu
Hans F
HF
Langendijk
Johannes A
JA
Leemans
C René
CR
Verdonck-de Leeuw
Irma M
IM
van Agthoven
Michel
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005931:Glottis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000191:economics; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000191:economics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000601:surgery*; D014833:Voice Quality
D002245:Carbon Dioxide