Laryngeal function preservation following supracricoid partial laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is a surgical technique that preserves laryngeal function.

METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical records identified 41 patients that underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy at our institution since 1998. In all, 26 patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were alive with a functioning larynx. All of them accepted participation in a functional evaluation.

RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of the patients were decannulated, and every patient achieved oral intake. The 5-year actuarial laryngoesophageal dysfunction-free survival was 66.5%. Median Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score was 26, with 75% of patients scoring <40. The Median MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) score was 92, with 75% of patients scoring ≥80. Median maximum phonation time (MPT) was 12 seconds. Median maximum intensity (Imax) was 99 dB.

CONCLUSIONS: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy allows laryngeal function preservation at a rate similar to that of chemoradiation protocols. When a careful preoperative patient selection is performed, long-term functional results are outstanding. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012.