Functional organ preservation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

The principles of open vs. laser microsurgical approaches for partial resections of the larynx are described, oncological as well as functional results discussed and corresponding outcomes following primary radiotherapy are opposed. Over the last decade, the endoscopic partial resection of the larynx has developed to an accepted approach in the treatment of early glottic and supraglottic carcinomas thus leading to a remarkable decline in the use of open surgery. Comparing the various surgical approaches of laryngeal partial resections, the oncological outcome of the patients, as far as survival and organ preservation are concerned, are comparable, whereas functional results of the endoscopic procedures are superior with less morbidity. The surgical procedures put together, are all superior to radiotherapy concerning organ preservation. Transoral laser microsurgery has been used successfully for vocal cord carcinomas with impaired mobility or fixation of the vocal cord, supraglottic carcinomas with infiltration of the pre- and/or paraglottic space as well as for selected hypopharyngeal carcinomas. It has been well documented that laser microsurgery achieves good oncological as well as functional results with reasonable morbidity. However, patients with those tumours have been successfully treated by open partial resections of the larynx at medical centres with appropriate expertise. The initially enthusiastic assessment of study results concerning the efficacy of various protocols of chemoradiation with the intent of organ preservation for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas are judged more cautious, today, due to recent reports of rather high rates of late toxicity complications.     

Current trends in initial management of laryngeal cancer: the declining use of open surgery

The role of open surgery for management of laryngeal cancer has been greatly diminished during the past decade. The development of transoral endoscopic laser microsurgery (TLS), improvements in delivery of radiation therapy (RT) and the advent of multimodality protocols, particularly concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) have supplanted the previously standard techniques of open partial laryngectomy for early cancer and total laryngectomy followed by adjuvant RT for advanced cancer. A review of the recent literature revealed virtually no new reports of conventional conservation surgery as initial treatment for early stage glottic and supraglottic cancer. TLS and RT, with or without laser surgery or CCRT, have become the standard initial treatments for T1, T2 and selected T3 laryngeal cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may have an emerging role in the treatment of early laryngeal cancer. Anterior commissure involvement presents particular difficulties in application of TLS, although no definitive conclusions have been reached with regard to optimal treatment of these lesions. Results of TLS are equivalent to those obtained by conventional conservation surgery, with considerably less morbidity, less hospital time and better postoperative function. Oncologic results of TLS and RT are equivalent for glottic cancer, but with better voice results for RT in patients who require more extensive cordectomy. The preferred treatment for early supraglottic cancer, particularly for bulkier or T3 lesions is TLS, with or without postoperative RT. The Veterans Administration Study published in 1991 established the fact that the response to neoadjuvant CT predicts the response of a tumor to RT. Patients with advanced tumors that responded either partially or completely to CT were treated with RT, and total laryngectomy was reserved for non-responders. This resulted in the ability to preserve the larynx in a significant number of patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancer, while achieving local control and overall survival results equivalent to those achieved with initial total laryngectomy. Following this report, similar “organ preservation” protocols were employed in many centers. By 2003, results of the RTOG 93-11 trial, utilizing CCRT as initial treatment, were published, demonstrating a higher rate of laryngeal preservation with this protocol. Surgery was reserved for treatment failures. This concept changed the paradigm for management of advanced laryngeal cancer, greatly reducing the number of laryngectomies performed. While supracricoid laryngectomy has been employed for selected patients, total laryngectomy is the usual procedure for salvage of failure after non-surgical treatment.     

Impact of anterior commissure involvement on local control of early glottic carcinoma treated by laser microresection

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of anterior commissure involvement on local control, survival, and laryngeal preservation in patients with early glottic cancer (pT1a-pT2a) treated with unimodality laser microsurgical resection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of 263 patients with early glottic cancer treated between 1986 and 1996. METHODS: Data on local control and overall survival rates were analyzed and calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method; the larynx preservation rates were given absolutely. RESULTS: Among 158 patients presenting with T1a glottic cancer, the anterior commissure was involved in 28 cases; the 5-year local control rate was 84%, and the larynx preservation rate was 93%. In the 130 cases without anterior commissure involvement, the 5-year local control rate was 90.0% and the corresponding larynx preservation rate 99%. In the T1b category consisting of 30 patients, anterior commissure involvement was observed in 16 patients; the 5-year local control rate was 73%, and the larynx preservation rate was 88%. In the 14 cases without anterior commissure involvement, the 5-year local control rate was 92% and the corresponding larynx preservation rate 100%. Seventy-five patients had T2a glottic carcinomas, with normal vocal cord movement. The anterior commissure was involved in 45 cases; the 5-year local control rate was 79%, and the larynx preservation rate was 93%. In the 30 cases without anterior commissure involvement, the 5-year local control rate was 74.0% and the corresponding larynx preservation rate 97%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the effectiveness of laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma regardless of anterior commissure involvement at presentation. This method can be performed as an outpatient procedure, even when conducting reresections.     

Transoral laser microsurgery in advanced carcinomas of larynx and pharynx

Introduction and objectivesThere are several types of treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx and larynx. However, both open surgery and chemoradiation protocols have failed to improve control and survival. There is a tendency toward conservative treatment without worsening oncological outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe the effectiveness of organ-preserving CO₂ laser microsurgery for treating advanced carcinomas of the larynx and pharynx.Material and methodA retrospective review of 63 patients undergoing CO₂ laser microsurgery for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx and larynx in advanced stages (stages III and IV) was performed. Tumour distribution was 14 patients with a tumour at the base of the tongue, 16 with a pyriform sinus tumour, 29 with a supraglottic tumour and 4 with a glottic tumour. Mean follow-up was 51 months.ResultsThirty-five percent of patients (23) had recurrences. The recurrence rate was 28% for base of tongue tumours, 50% for hypopharyngeal tumours, 27% for supraglottic tumours and 75% for glottic tumours. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 73.3% for all locations, with a range from 90% for supraglottic tumours up to 50% for glottic tumours. Thirty-four percent of patients had some type of complication after surgery. The most frequent complication was local bleeding (17%).ConclusionTransoral CO₂ laser microsurgery is an alternative for the treatment of carcinomas of the pharynx and larynx in advanced stages. Its oncological results are equivalent to other treatment modalities and its morbidity is lower.     

Importance of anterior commissure in recurrence of early glottic cancer after laser endoscopic resection

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of anterior commissure involvement on rates of local control, recurrence, and laryngeal preservation in patients with early glottic cancer (T1a-T2 lesions, staged according to the TNM staging system) treated with laser microsurgical resection. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: A tertiary university referral center. PATIENTS: Forty-eight patients with early glottic (T1-T2a) cancer. INTERVENTION: Laser endoscopic resection of glottic cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of local control and larynx preservation rates. RESULTS: Among 48 patients presenting with early glottic cancer, the anterior commissure was involved in 24 cases. The local control rate was 79% (19 cases), and the larynx preservation rate was 96% (23 cases). In the 24 cases without anterior commissure involvement, the local control rate was 96% (23 cases) and the corresponding larynx preservation rate was 100% (24 cases). The rate of local recurrence with anterior commissure involvement was 21% (5 cases) and was 4% (1 case) when this site was not compromised by the tumor. This difference was not statistically significant (P = .08). When the anterior commissure was compromised by a lesion, more surgical margins taken from the patient after the completion of surgery (additional margins) were compromised by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on permanent section (33% [8 cases]) compared with 0% from patients with anterior commissure involvement (P = .003), despite the fact that these margins were negative for disease on frozen section. Cases with additional margins compromised by SCC on permanent section (P = .004) and T1 lesions (P = .009) had a higher rate of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the tendency toward greater additional margins compromised by SCC and a higher rate of tumor recurrence in lesions with anterior commissure involvement after laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma. Higher recurrence rates were observed in cases with compromised additional margins and in T1 cases.     

CO2激光显微手术在喉癌前病变和早期声门型喉癌中的应用

目的 探讨CO₂激光显微手术在喉癌前病变和早期声门型喉癌治疗中的应用价值。 方法 选取南京医科大学附属南京医院耳鼻咽喉科自2014年1月~2018年8月期间收治的27例行CO₂激光显微手术治疗的喉癌前病变(9例)和早期声门型喉癌(18例)作为研究对象,观察术后并发症、对比手术前后的生活质量及术后1~2年局部的复发率,探讨其应用价值。 结果 根据CO₂激光显微手术切除的范围和深度进行手术:9例癌前病变中8例行I型手术、1例行Ⅱ型手术;18例早期声门型喉癌中3例行Ⅱ型手术、11例行Ⅲ型手术、3例行Ⅳ型手术、1例行Ⅴ型手术。1例因切缘阳性改行开放式手术,其余患者均未行气管切开,亦无气道烧伤等严重并发症。患者术后6 h软食,均无呛咳、呼吸困难等不良反应,术后抗感染抗炎治疗2~3 d。术后随访1~2年,嗓音恢复可。 结论 CO₂激光显微手术治疗喉癌前病变和早期声门型喉癌临床效果显著、安全性较高、创伤小、术后嗓音恢复快、住院时间缩短、并能较为理想的保留喉功能、提高患者术后的生活质量。     

Comparison of the glottic closure reflex in traditional "open" versus endoscopic laser supraglottic laryngectomy

OBJECTIVES: Cancer of the supraglottic larynx may be surgically treated with either traditional "open" supraglottic laryngectomy (OSL) or endoscopic laser supraglottic laryngectomy (ELSL). Pharyngeal dysphagia is a well-documented consequence of traditional OSL from which near-normal swallowing characteristically recovers 14 to 40 days after surgery. Conversely, ELSL results in the resumption of serviceable swallowing within 2 to 7 days after surgery. METHODS: A prospective assessment of the glottic closure reflex in 6 consecutive patients who had ELSL was performed by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing. RESULTS: All 6 patients with ELSL demonstrated an intact glottic closure reflex both before surgery and 48 to 72 hours after surgery. In contrast, 7 of 8 historical control patients who had OSL demonstrated a persistent absence of the glottic closure reflex 3 weeks to 12 years later. CONCLUSIONS: Although a number of clinical factors influence swallowing recovery, one important factor separating our patient groups was the preservation of the glottic closure reflex in patients who underwent endoscopic laser resection. Because the loss of the glottic closure response persists for years after traditional OSL, it is concluded that the sensory field deficit caused by superior laryngeal nerve section is largely not recoverable; however, compensatory mechanisms remain important in serviceable recovery, even if delayed after operation. Indeed, preservation of the glottic closure response appears to enhance swallowing recovery when equivalent compensatory mechanisms are used.     

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas of larynx]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the histopathology, diagnosis and treatment of malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH) of larynx. METHODS: The clinical and pathologic features of 9 cases with MFH of larynx were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: All the 9 cases with MFH of larynx were adults (the age ranged from 43 to 87 years; average 56 years); 8 were men and 1 woman. The tumor of eight cases originated in glottic area and 1 case occurred in supraglottic area. The histological diagnosis was difficult, so the immunohistochemical studies in 5 cases were examined. Because surgical resection was a mainly treatment, seven patients underwent total laryngectomy and 2 cases underwent frontal partial laryngectomy. Six patients were followed up for more than 3 years and no patient died of MFH after surgical resection. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of MFH of larynx was sometimes difficult and immunohistochemistry could be helpful. The mainly treatment of MFH of larynx was surgical resection by total laryngectomy or partial laryngectomy.     

Management of early-stage laryngeal cancer

The goals of treatment of early glottic cancer are eradication of tumor and preservation of function, including phonatory and swallowing function. Many case series suggest that transoral laser microsurgery, open surgical procedures, and radiation have comparable rates of local control, ultimate local control after salvage therapy, laryngeal preservation, and survival, although there may be differences in cost and voice outcomes. Tumor factors, patient factors, and physician and patient preferences should dictate the choice of therapy.     

喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤

目的　探讨喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤的诊断和治疗。方法　对 9例喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤的临床、病理、诊断、治疗和预后进行回顾性分析。结果　 9例喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤患者 ,男 8例 ,女 1例 ;年龄 43～ 87岁 ,平均 56岁。喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤诊断较困难 ,3例标本经多次活检 ,5例标本进行免疫组化检查协助诊断。喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤以手术治疗为主 ,7例喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤患者行喉全切除术 ,2例行喉部分切除术。随访 3年以上 ,在访的 6例喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤无 1例死亡。结论　喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤容易误诊 ,有时需免疫组化鉴别诊断。喉恶性纤维组织细胞瘤手术切除力求彻底 ,可根据肿瘤范围大小决定不同的手术方式     

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy in the treatment of laryngeal cancer: univariate and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the oncological results of supracricoid partial laryngectomy as a treatment for selected glottic and supraglottic cancer in a large series of patients who had undergone uniform treatment over a 16-year period and to determine the different prognostic factors that may influence local control and survival. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral medical center. PATIENTS: The study population comprised 253 consecutive patients (234 men and 19 women) with glottic and supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. The mean age was 58 years for men and 59.2 years for women. INTERVENTION: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy: 180 patients had undergone cricohyoidopexy and 73 had undergone cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Local control and overall survival. Potential prognostic factors for local control and survival were evaluated with univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: The 3-, 5-, 10-, and 16-year overall survival rates in this group of 253 patients were 85.8%, 79.1%, 57.6%, and 57.6%, respectively. With regard to local control, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that a positive resection margin was the only important predictor of local control and that a dysplastic lesion at the margin of resection is just as aggressive as the presence of invasive carcinoma. When considering the prognostic factors influencing survival, univariate analysis showed that the tumor category, lymph node category, tumor stage, and recurrence all had a significant influence on the survival rate. Multivariate analysis showed that the most important predictor of survival was recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is a valid choice in the treatment of selected glottic and supraglottic cancer while maintaining laryngeal functions and achieving a high rate of local control. T category, N category, tumor stage, positive resection margins, and recurrence are the most important predictors of oncological outcome.     

The role of separate margins sampling in endoscopic laser surgery for early glottic cancer

Conclusions Sampling surgical margins in trans-oral laser microsurgery for early glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may allow for increased local control rate, although with no difference in local control by endoscopic treatment alone. Objective To further delineate the role of routinely sampling separate surgical margins, in patients with early glottic SCC undergoing endoscopic laser resection. Methods A retrospective case control study. One hundres and two early glottic cancer patients staged Tis-T2 underwent endoscopic laser surgery with curative intent as the primary treatment. Separate margins from the surgical bed were sampled following complete tumor resection in 64 patients; in 38 patients no margins were sampled. Results Margin sampling showed a tendency towards reduced risk for local recurrence, adjusted HR?=?0.439 (p-value?=?0.096). However, there was no difference in local control by endoscopic treatment alone. The patients with sampled margins were further divided based on margins’ status: 39 (61%) had negative margins, and 25 (39%) had positive margins. Compared with negative margins, patients with positive margins showed increased risk for recurrence, adjusted HR?=?8.492 (p?=?0.008). When margins were not sampled the risk for local recurrence was increased compared to negative margins (adjusted HR?=?7.875, p-value?=?0.008), and relatively comparable to what was observed when sampled margins were positive (adjusted HR?=?0.927, p-value?=?0.88).     

CO2激光手术治疗声门上型喉癌

目的 总结CO2激光手术治疗声门上型喉癌的临床治疗效果.方法 回顾性分析1995年2月至2005年6月CO2激光手术治疗的32例声门上型喉癌患者临床资料.32例患者中T1N0M0 20例,T1N1M0 2例,T2N0M0 8例,T2N1M0 2例,全部病例术后随诊3年以上.喉部肿瘤均经口行激光手术,同期行择区性(Ⅱ-Ⅳ区)颈清扫术12例,改良全颈清扫术4例.结果 KaplanMeier法统计5年生存率为90.6%,其中T1病变5年生存率为95.6%,T2病变为78.2%.喉的局部控制率为96.8%;喉局部和颈部区域5年控制率为90.3%,其中T1病变5年局部区域控制率为90.9%,T2病变为89.0%.喉部局部复发2例,1例再治疗行喉水平垂直部分切除术,1例行喉全切除术.颈部区域复发2例,其中1例喉部复发伴颈淋巴转移,再治疗后存活;1例颈部复发,治疗后再次颈部复发并伴肺转移死亡.4例患者出现较轻并发症,保守治疗后好转.除1例患者因局部复发行喉全切除外,其余存活患者喉功能良好.结论 激光治疗早期声门上型喉癌创伤小、疗效可靠,是一种理想的治疗方式.     

喉癌术后局部复发与手术切缘的关系

目的 :探讨喉癌术后局部复发与手术切缘的关系。方法 :对 1991～ 1999年行手术治疗并随访满 3年以上的喉癌患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析 ,分别选取手术切缘、T分期和术后放疗等因素进行统计学分析。结果 :① 16 0例喉癌患者术后局部复发 36例 ,复发率为 2 2 .5 % ;②局部复发与肿瘤的T分期有关 ,差异有统计学意义 ;③切缘≤ 3mm组的局部复发率高于切缘 4～ 5mm组和 >5mm组 ,差异有统计学意义 ;④手术切缘≤3mm的 6 9例中 ,32例行术后放疗的局部复发率低于 37例未行放疗者 ,差异有统计学意义 ;⑤声门型喉癌 5mm的手术切缘与切缘≤ 3mm组相比 ,局部复发率较低 ,差异有统计学意义。而 5mm的手术切缘对声门上型喉癌不够安全 ,与≤ 3mm组相比 ,局部复发率相似 ,差异无统计学意义。结论 :①以 5mm作为声门型喉癌的手术切缘是相对安全的 ;②以 5mm作为声门上型喉癌的手术切缘不够安全 ,如局部条件许可 ,建议以 10mm为安全切缘 ;③对手术切缘不够者行术后放疗可降低局部复发率 ,但不主张因此而放宽对安全切缘的标准。     

Consensus statement on management in the UK: Transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early glottic cancer

Background: Transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early glottic laryngeal cancer is a relatively new treatment modality that is practised in many centres across the UK. In the absence of the results from randomised clinical trials, clinicians may be guided by an expert panel consensus statement on transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early squamous cell cancer of the larynx. Objective: To provide consensus recommendations on the various aspects of transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection for early glottic cancer. Evaluation method: Nine centres across the UK were invited to describe current practice and outcomes for transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early glottic cancer. Four working groups were created to draw consensus on standard of care, surgical procedures, outcomes measures and training/certification. The feedback from these groups was integrated into the consensus statement. Conclusions: The consensus meeting confirmed the stablished and widespread use of transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection for early glottic cancer throughout the UK. The common experience gained allowed a full discussion of all aspects of the management with consensus achieved in key areas of standards of care, surgery, histopathologic reporting, outcomes assessment and training. This consensus statement will result in closer auditing of management and dissemination of results.     

The role of supraomohyoid neck dissection at the time of supraglottic laryngectomy

Uncontrolled cervical metastasis is the most common source of failure in the surgical treatment of supraglottic carcinoma. This study was designed to determine the value of supraomohyoid neck dissection in patients undergoing supraglottic laryngectomy. The rationale for considering the role of supraomohyoid neck dissection is that such a dissection encompasses the subdigastric and midjugular nodes which are the first echelon of lymphatic drainage of the supraglottic larynx. Thirty-eight patients with a diagnosis of epidermoid carcinoma of the supraglottis were treated by subtotal supraglottic laryngectomy (SSL). Ten patients underwent SSL with no neck dissection, 16 patients underwent SSL with supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHD)--9 unilateral and 7 bilateral, and 12 patients underwent SSL with radical neck dissection (RND). The 3 groups had comparable T classifications. All of the SSL and SSL with SOHD patients were classified as N0. Of the 12 patients treated with SSL and RND, 4 were classified as N0, 4 as N1, 3 as N2, and 1 as N3. The patients were studied to determine the incidence and pattern of subsequent neck disease, survival, complications, and length of hospitalization. The data indicates that supraomohyoid neck dissection offers little benefit as an adjunct to supraglottic laryngectomy.     

Partial laryngectomy for recurrent cancer after irradiation

Attention is drawn to the problems of surgical resection by partial laryngectomy after full therapeutic dosage of Telecobalt irradiation. Material is presented from 2 main treatment centres to indicate trends in surgical treatment and the complications experienced. End results are given which confirm a reasonable expectation of cure and functional conservation by vertical partial laryngectomy for recurrence of glottic cancer after irradiation. However, the results of treatment of recurrent supraglottic cancer by horizontal partial laryngectomy gave much cause for concern in terms of complications and survival. In conclusion an attempt is made, based on the quoted experience, to define the position of conservation surgery after full dosage irradiation of the larynx.     

Outcome after supracricoid laryngectomies in the material of ENT Department,Poznan University of Medical Sciences

All patients with T1 and T2 laryngeal cancer should be treated with the intent to preserve the larynx. In T3 glottic low-volume tumors, larynx preservation is an appropriate standard treatment option. Supracricoid partial laryngectomy remains a reasonable alternative to radiotherapy for patients with T2–T3 glottic cancer. Prospective clinical study aims to evaluate the oncological results of supracricoid partial laryngectomy as a treatment for selected glottic and supraglottic carcinoma, and to determine the different prognostic factors that may influence local control and survival. In the period of 2000–2007, 145 patients were treated at the academic tertiary referral medical center: ENT Department, University of Medical Sciences, Poznán, Poland. The ages of the analyzed group of patients ranged from 23 to 79, with mean 56.5 age for men and 25 for women. All of the patients had biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma. Of the 145 patients 82 had glottic cancer and 63 had supraglottic cancer. The patients were staged according to the 2003 edition of the TNM classification established by the AJCC. The pathological TNM classification was additionally taken into consideration. All patients were treated by means of supracricoid and transglottic partial laryngectomy. The type of supracricoid partial laryngectomy was based on tumor localization and extension. Four patients underwent cricohyoidopexy, 57 cricohyoidoepiglottopexy, 65 reconstruction modo Calearo, and 19 modo Sedlacek-Tucker. We performed 21 unilateral selective neck dissections and none bilateral. A nasogastric feeding tube was inserted in all patients, and removed in patients that regained proper swallowing. As a result, we took into consideration the oncological and functional results. Histopathological examination of the operating specimen revealed the presence of dysplasia or invasive carcinoma at the margins, or a close margin of less than 5 mm from the edge of the resection (16 cases). The metastases were found on the neck in three cases, predominantly in the level II (2 cases) and III (1 case). Metastasis was found in one patient that had undergone CHP, Sedlacek-Tucker, and Calearo, respectively. Five patients received postoperative radiotherapy. The decision to use adjuvant radiotherapy was based on the presence of invasive carcinoma at the resection margin and on the presence of multiple positive neck nodes or extracapsular spread of the disease. The Kaplan–Meier estimated 3- and 5-year overall survival rates in the group of 122 because 23 patients did not report for medical check-ups.     

Transoral robot-assisted CO2 laser supraglottic laryngectomy: experimental and clinical data

BACKGROUND: Transoral CO2 laser surgery for selected supraglottic tumors results in improved postoperative function and decreased morbidity, with comparable survival to open surgery. Recently, robot-assisted techniques have been reported for the management of supraglottic lesions. There are no reports in the English literature of robotic technology coupled with CO2 laser technology. Our objective was to report the use of such technology. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental resection of the supraglottis in a cadaver and a dog model using a commercially available surgical robot coupled with CO2 laser technology. Initial human experience with such technology is reported. METHODS: With use of a hollow core fiber that allows the transmission of CO2 laser energy linked to the daVinci Surgical Robot, a supraglottic laryngectomy was performed in an edentulous female cadaver. The FK Laryngo-Pharyngoscope was used for exposure. In a second experiment, a supraglottic partial laryngectomy was performed in an 80 pound dog. On the basis of our experimental experience, a CO2 laser robotic-assisted supraglottic laryngectomy was attempted in three patients. RESULTS: Removal of the supraglottic larynx in both a cadaver and canine experimental models was believed to be satisfactory using this technology. Bleeding was easily controlled in the live canine model. A 74-year-old woman with a large supraglottic mass for which she had been offered a total laryngectomy was resected successfully with this technology. The FK Laryngo-Pharyngoscope provided excellent exposure. The patient was able to swallow without difficulty on postoperative day 5. Follow-up endoscopic examination at 1 month showed no evidence of residual laryngeal tumor. Robot-assisted procedures were attempted in two additional patients, but adequate exposure could not be achieved, and more traditional techniques were performed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the daVinci Surgical robot coupled with CO2 laser technology is feasible, as demonstrated by our experimental and clinical data. Although further development of the robotic technology is required at present, the use of robotics coupled with CO2 laser technology may have important implications in the management of supraglottic laryngeal cancer in the future.     

108例喉癌手术疗效分析

目的总结喉癌的术式及疗效,以改进治疗并提高喉癌患者的生存率和生存质量。方法分析临床随访的108例行手术治疗的喉癌患者资料,其中声门上型33例,声门型71例,声门下型4例,按UICC2002年分期标准,I期27例,II期42例,III期25例,IV期14例。行喉部分切除83例,全喉切除25例。结果108例手术患者1年生存率94.5%,3年生存率81.3%,5年生存率为75.4%。其中声门上型1年生存率86.3%,3年为65.2%,5年为63.2%;声门型1年生存率98.1%,3年为91.1%,5年为84.2%。早期肿瘤(I、II期)1年生存率100%,3年生存率88.4%,5年生存率84.1%;晚期(III、IV期)肿瘤1年生存率87.2%,3年生存率71.8%,5年生存率59.0%。早期与晚期患者之间生存率差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),肿瘤不同发病部位(声门型、声门上型)患者之间生存率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论严格掌握喉癌手术指征,在保证手术安全缘的情况下,根据不同患者的情况,制定个体化治疗方案,运用最优的手术切除和喉功能重建方法,综合治疗,可有效地提高喉癌患者的生存率和生存质量。