Supraglottic laryngectomy: short- and long-term functional results

A supraglottic laryngectomy offers the possibility of resection of a large portion of the larynx leaving the true vocal cords. From 57 supraglottic laryngectomies performed between 1971 and 1984 in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the University of Nijmegen, the 5- and 10-year actuarial survival rates were 80% and 59%, respectively. The deaths after 5 years were not directly related to the original tumour. The functional results with respect to the voice were excellent. In this study particular attention has been paid to the postoperative results with regard to swallowing and aspiration. More than half of the patients (56%) had occasional complaints of aspiration, especially when taking liquids. It is concluded that supraglottic laryngectomy is an excellent alternative, especially for the treatment of extensive supraglottic tumours without involvement of the true vocal cords.