Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of salvage surgery for laryngeal carcinoma after radio-or chemoradiotherapy by investigating the clinical course, including the side effects and prognosis.
Materials and Methods: Ten patients who underwent salvage surgery for laryngeal cancer were included in this study, including 9 males and one female, with an average age of 71.6 (range 58 to 92) years. The mean follow-up period was 49.9 (range 9 to 115) months.
Results: Five patients underwent total laryngectomy, two underwent horizontal partial laryngectomy, two underwent vertical laryngectomy, and one underwent neck dissection. A pharyngocutaneous fistula was found in two cases and chondro-necrosis in one case, however, no severe complications were noted in any of the cases postoperatively. Four cases died of the disease and one case died of another disease. There were no cases of local disease recurrence.
Conclusion: Salvage surgery is a safe and effective treatment for laryngeal cancer recurring after radio-or chemoradiotherapy. Local control may be achieved without the sacrifice of the laryngeal function in carefully selected cases.
