Partial vertical laryngectomy for recurrent glottic carcinoma

Partial vertical laryngectomy for recurrent glottic carcinoma was performed in 61 patients according to stringent criteria. The great majority of the recurrent tumours appeared within 2 years of radiotherapy (80%). The mean follow-up after surgery was 79 months. At 5 years 85% of the patients were free of local recurrence. Nine patients (15%) developed a local recurrence; eight of them underwent total laryngectomy; one patient refused the operation and died. Seven patients died of other causes. The actuarial overall survival rate was 88% at 5 years. Post-operative complications were seen in 12 patients (20%); nine of these patients developed airway problems. One patient underwent total laryngectomy for severe aspiration, the others finally were decannulated. The results of this study indicate that partial vertical hemi-laryngectomy for irradiation failures is a safe procedure with good results without undue morbidity.