Evaluation of available surgical management options for early supraglottic cancer.
BACKGROUND
This study was undertaken to evaluate the oncologic results of endoscopic and open surgical techniques in early supraglottic cancer.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective evaluation of 101 patients surgically treated for stage I or II supraglottic carcinomas. Laser surgery, horizontal laryngectomy, and total laryngectomy were compared for disease-specific survival and local control rates. Surgical techniques were additionally compared for incidence of major complications, related tracheotomies, and swallowing function retention.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were noted among the different types of procedures regarding disease-specific survival and local control. A lower incidence of major complications, permanent gastrostomies, and significantly lower incidence of tracheotomies were noted for laser surgery compared with open techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
Larynx-preserving surgical modalities offer comparable oncologic results with total laryngectomy in early supraglottic cancer. In addition, laser surgery has a lower incidence of complications and better functional results compared with open partial or total laryngectomy.
Karatzanis
Alexander D
AD
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen - Nuremberg Medical School, Erlangen, Germany.
Psychogios
George
G
Zenk
Johannes
J
Waldfahrer
Frank
F
Hornung
Joachim
J
Velegrakis
George A
GA
Iro
Heinrich
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome