Phonosurgical voice rehabilitation in patients with primary larynx cancer after laser cordectomy CO2

Abstract

The aim of the treatment of early laryngeal cancer is complete oncological cure and simultaneously voice and swallowing preservation. According to the European Laryngological Society (ELS) classification of CO2 laser cordectomy, full voice recovery is seen in subepithelial cordectomy (ELS Type I ) and near complete in subligamental cordectomy (ELS type II). Voice deterioration is usually seen after more extensive levels of cordectomy (ELS types III-V). Voice quality after microsurgical laser cordectomy depends on the presence or absence of synechiae in the anterior commissure and on the quantity of the removed thyro-arytenoid muscle. More extensive reduction of the vocal muscle quantity causes more intensive glottic incompetence. Contralateral healthy vocal fold, rudimentary, cicatrixial previously operated vocal fold and false ventricular folds may take part in postoperative supraglottic voice compensation. All patients should undergo speech and voice therapy after terminating the scaring process on the operated vocal fold. Patients routinely undergo a minimum of 6 months of voice rehabilitation which allows speech therapy to yield the best possible voice. Phonosurgical techniques i.e. medialization thyroplasty, augmentation techniques, Zeitels’s laryngoplasty or Lichtenberger’s technique in treatment of synechia in the anterior commissure are successfully performed to restore the vocal competence. Voice preservation after treatment of early laryngeal cancer of the vocal fold improves life quality of the patient.