2016 Volume 67 Issue 4 Pages 256-263
Laryngeal necrosis is known to be a serious complication after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for laryngopharyngeal cancer. Cases of laryngeal necrosis from 2006 to 2015 were reviewed and 8 cases were identified. All cases had a history of (chemo) radiation together with transoral surgery. Patients treated solely by (chemo) radiation or transoral surgery did not develop laryngeal necrosis. The larynx was preserved in 7 cases by treatment with antibiotics, steroid, hyperbaric oxygen therapy or surgical debridement. A total laryngectomy was performed in 1 case for concomitant recurrence and in 2 cases for delayed recurrence. Transoral surgery is gaining acceptance as a minimally invasive surgery; however, in cases with previous or postoperative irradiation, the surgeon should note the possibility of laryngeal necrosis and make careful observation. Even in laryngeal necrosis, larynx preservation might be possible by combination therapy including antibiotics, steroid, surgical debridement and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
