Comparison among different available surgical approaches in T1 glottic cancer.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the oncologic results of open and transoral surgical techniques in T1a and T1b category glottic carcinomas.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical study.


METHODS
The files of 438 T1a and T1b glottic cancer cases managed with primary surgery were reviewed. Transoral laser surgery and open surgical procedures used to treat these cases, including cordectomy, vertical partial laryngectomy, and frontolateral partial laryngectomy, were compared for disease specific survival and local control rates. In addition, all techniques were compared for incidence of major complications and related tracheotomies.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were noted between laser surgery and open procedures with regard to disease specific survival and local control for both T1a and T1b cases. Laser surgery showed a significantly lower incidence of complications and tracheotomies.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser surgery appears to be a very effective management modality for T1 glottic cancer with comparable results to open procedures and a lower incidence of complications. A transcervical approach should be reserved only for selected cases where individual anatomic factors do not permit complete tumor exposure during diagnostic microlaryngoscopy.
Karatzanis
Alexander D
AD
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremburg Medical School, Erlangen, Germany.
Psychogios
George
G
Zenk
Johannes
J
Waldfahrer
Frank
F
Hornung
Joachim
J
Velegrakis
George A
GA
Iro
Heinrich
H
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D007825:Laryngectomy; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies