Supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for recurrent laryngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent laryngeal cancer can be treated either with total laryngectomy or in selected cases with supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP). We performed a retrospective study to analyze the functional and oncological results of supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP. METHODS: Fourteen patients were treated with supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP. In 8 patients, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed. Preoperative and postoperative voice evaluation was performed in 5 patients. Oncological and functional follow-up, postoperative complications, and data concerning rehabilitation were recorded on standard forms. RESULTS: After the supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP, 11 of the 14 patients were alive and disease-free. No local recurrences were found, but 2 patients had regional recurrences. The voice was worse after the operation; however, most patients were satisfied. Swallowing was uncompromised. CONCLUSIONS: Supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP for recurrent glottic laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy appears to be oncologically safe and functional.