Transoral Surgery for Laryngeal Cancer: Bleeding Complications

Abstract

Introduction:Transoral laser surgery is the treatment of choice in many centers for patients with laryngeal tumors with an early T (Tis-T1-T2) and in selected patients with T3 tumors. Outcomes are comparable to those of other therapeutic approaches that preserve laryngeal function. The aim of this study is to determine the postoperative incidence of hemorrhagic complications in patients treated for larynx tumors using a transoral approach. Methods:A retrospective assessment of the patients treated for laryngeal tumors using transoral approach between March of 2004 and April of 2016 was made. Hemorrhagic complications were registered. Results:A total of 128 patients treated for laryngeal tumors with transoral approach were identified. One hundred and sixteen of them were male and 12 were female. A total of 148 surgeries were made. Three patients had postoperative hemorrhage. The total postoperative hemorrhage incidence was 2.34%. The incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients with T3 tumors was 9.09% (2/22) whereas the incidence, in patients with T1, T2 or Tis tumors was 0.94% (1/106). Total mortality rate due to postoperative hemorrhage was 0.78%. Conclusion:Transoral laser surgery is a safe and effective approach to treat laryngeal tumors in selected patients. Postoperative hemorrhage in transoral surgery is rare but potentially fatal. However, it represents the most common complication in this type of surgery.