Results of the Conservative Surgery for Laryngeal Cancer

Introduction: The techniques of partial laryngectomy are based on the compartimentalization of the larynx and their aims are to provide the oncologically radical excision and to preserve the laryngeal function. Objective: To evaluate the oncological results and the complications in patients submitted to these techniques. Methods: A consecutive series of 120 patients underwent partial laryngectomy from 1996 to 2016, according to the local clinical staging (T). The surgical margins were evaluated for frozen section examination during the surgery. The follow up varied from 4 to 120 months (median, 48.5). Adjuvant radiation therapy was indicated according to the lymph node staging (pN+). The following complications were evaluated: edema of the arytenoid, pharyngocutaneous or laryngocutaneous fistula, pneumonia, haemorrhage, dysphagia, wound infection, laryngeal stenosis and glottic insufficiency. Results: The free of disease survival was: 84.6% for T1 tumors; 84.5% for T2; and 40% for T3. After the surgical salvage, the ultimate survival was: 97% for T1; 92.9% for T2; and 40% for T3. There was edema of the arytenoid in 7 patients, laryngocutaneous fistula in 4; wound infection in 3; pneumonia in 5; dysphagia in 1; and laryngeal stenosis in 6. Conclusions: The global disease free survival rate after treatment was of 84,6% in T1, 84,5% in T2 and 40% in T3, with better results in earlier staged tumors. Complications incidence is acceptable and can be treated conservatively.