Functional Outcomes and Survival After Total Glossectomy With Laryngectomy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Total glossectomy with laryngectomy (TGL) is an invasive and major operation known to carry high morbidity and mortality risks. Thus, it is reserved only for select cases of advanced tongue cancer with extensive laryngeal invasion that is causing significant detriment to a patient's quality of life. Use of this technique is controversial as there is a significant impact to patients from disfigurement, and loss of functional speech and swallow, and the long-term functional outcomes have traditionally been thought to be poor.