Phonatory Results Research Articles

Unilateral Cleft lip and Palate: Long-Term Results of the Malek Technique.

To review at 18 years-old the results of surgery and follow-up of children born in our hospital with unilateral cleft lip and palate (uCLP). They were operated at the time by the same surgeon, following the same primary surgical procedure (Malek). Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary Children's Hospital. All children born with uCLP between 1996 and 2001 and operated in our hospital. Syndromic children were excluded. Results of the primary surgery, ear–nose–throat interventions, maxillo-facial surgery and final phonatory results. Seventy-nine files of children born with a cleft were reviewed: 34 were taken into consideration for uCLP: 15 right and 19 left. They were operated in two stages, following the inverse Malek procedure. Sixty per cent had a fistula. Eighty-eight percent had grommets. Ninety-seven percent had an alveolar graft at a median age of nine (5-10) and 22% underwent a Le Fort osteotomy. Seven percent were operated for a pharyngeal flap, 29% for a secondary lip surgery at a mean age of 12.8 and 29% for a late rhinoplasty at a mean age of 14.8 years. A median of 5.7 multidisciplinary consultations was realized with a median number of general anesthesia of 7.1 (4-13). This retrospective study shows that the Malek procedure for children born with uCLP is related to a high risk of fistula but good long-term phonatory results. Twenty percent of children were operated for a Le Fort procedure and one-third for a secondary lip procedure and rhinoplasty.

Phonosurgical Injection Approaches for Voice Restoration After Open Partial Horizontal Laryngectomies: A Pilot Study

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of phonosurgical corrective approaches based on injection laryngoplasties and pharyngoplasties followed by speech therapy for voice restoration after unsatisfactory phonatory results of open partial horizontal laryngectomies. Ten patients with not satisfying phonatory results despite speech therapy after type II or type III open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHLs) were included. Each patient underwent a voice restoration program based on phonosurgery (injection laryngoplasty and/or injection pharyngoplasty) with hyaluronic acid and/or calcium hydroxyapatite, followed by post-surgical voice rehabilitation. Voices were recorded and analysed through spectrographic, aerodynamic, perceptual, laryngoscopic and self-assessment evaluations before the treatment (T0), after 1 month (T1) and after three months (T2). Significant improvements in the patients voices were found between T0, T1 and T2 concerning acoustic, perceptual, aerodynamic, laryngoscopic and self assessment evaluations. The results of the present study support phonosurgical injection procedures followed by speech therapy as an effective strategy for voice restoration after type II or type III OPHLs in selected patients.

Speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy with voice prostheses: phonatory results

The approaches for voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy vary significantly, as they can be classified into natural and device-aided (external and surgical). The techniques differ in degree of accessibility, success and vocal results. Until the introduction of surgical methods, esophageal speech was the mainstay of rehabilitation. It is associated with long training period with questionable success. The electrolarynx, which in our country is still traditionally accepted as the main method of voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy, generates speech with a low degree of intelligibility and mechanical sound. The implantation of a voice prosthesis in a surgically shaped tracheoesophageal fistula is currently accepted as the gold standard. The aim of the study was phoniatric analysis of voice production in alaryngeal speech after tracheo-oesophageal puncture and implantation of a voice prosthesis. The characteristics of tracheoesophageal and oesophageal speech are compared. The obtained results show that the voice production after implantation of a voice prosthesis significantly exceeds the oesophageal voice in terms of average duration of phonation with one air bolus, number of words uttered with one bolus, and the pace and expressiveness of speech.

Impact of Subharmonic and Aperiodic Laryngeal Dynamics on the Phonatory Process Analyzed in Ex Vivo Rabbit Models.

Normal voice is characterized by periodic oscillations of the vocal folds. On the other hand, disordered voice dynamics (e.g., subharmonic and aperiodic oscillations) are often associated with voice pathologies and dysphonia. Unfortunately, not all investigations may be conducted on human subjects; hence animal laryngeal studies have been performed for many years to better understand human phonation. The rabbit larynx has been shown to be a potential model of the human larynx. Despite this fact, only a few studies regarding the phonatory parameters of rabbit larynges have been performed. Further, to the best of our knowledge, no ex vivo study has systematically investigated phonatory parameters from high-speed, audio and subglottal pressure data with irregular oscillations. To remedy this, the present study analyzes experiments with sustained phonation in 11 ex vivo rabbit larynges for 51 conditions of disordered vocal fold dynamics. (1) The results of this study support previous findings on non-disordered data, that the stronger the glottal closure insufficiency is during phonation, the worse the phonatory characteristics are; (2) aperiodic oscillations showed worse phonatory results than subharmonic oscillations; (3) in the presence of both types of irregular vibrations, the voice quality (i.e., cepstral peak prominence) of the audio and subglottal signal greatly deteriorated compared to normal/periodic vibrations. In summary, our results suggest that the presence of both types of irregular vibration have a major impact on voice quality and should be considered along with glottal closure measures in medical diagnosis and treatment.

Laser endoscopic microsurgery of laryngeal cancers.

Introduction The aim of our study is to present our experience in treating laryngeal cancers with endoscopic CO2 laser surgery. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2012 at Antoine Lacassagne Center of Nice. The functional and oncologic results of this surgical technique were analyzed and discussed. Results The average length of hospital stay was 2.5 days. Phonatory results were considered excellent in 75% of our patients who maintained satisfactory phone communication skills after their interventions. Chronic hoarseness was the most common reason for bilateral or extended cordectomies. On the oncologic basis, histologic exam showed 90% of our margins were normal. The clinical control showed excellent laryngeal preservation in 94.23%. In 5 years, the overall survival was estimated at 96.15%. Conclusion This study shows the benefit of the laser endoscopic microsurgery for the preservation of laryngeal functions and the local histologic control, essentially for early stage laryngeal cancers.

Potential Errors in Phonatory Results

Potential Errors in Phonatory Results

Voice and swallowing after partial laryngectomy: Factors influencing outcome

The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing swallowing and phonatory results after partial laryngectomy. We carried out a medical chart review of patients who underwent partial laryngectomies between June 2003 and November 2010, focusing on functional outcomes. Thirty-two patients were enrolled. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of phonatory outcomes of patients with preservation of both arytenoids; the results of the Yanagihara classification were significantly different (p = .015) in patients with an atypical neoglottis; radiotherapy statistically significantly influenced only the mean fundamental frequency (p = .035). The type of partial laryngectomy does not seem to affect the deglutition results; radiotherapy statistically significantly affected the dysphagia score (DS; p = .03), penetration aspiration (p = .02), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI; p = .02). Horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy and supracricoid partial laryngectomy give the same swallowing results. The presence of both arytenoids does not influence the final outcome compared to patients in whom only 1 arytenoid is preserved. Postoperative radiotherapy only influences the swallowing function.

Total cricoidectomy and laryngotracheal reconstruction for subglottic stenosis with glottic involvement

We present a case of subglottic stenosis involving the glottis with inflammatory destruction of the cricoid cartilage after prolonged endotracheal intubation. Total cricoidectomy and laryngotracheal anastomosis were performed with T-tube placement that was retained for five months postoperatively. After decannulation of the T-tube, the airway was well restored, with good vocal cord opening. Good respiratory and phonatory results were obtained during normal daily activity, although a slightly hoarse voice was present, but no aspiration was observed. Total cricoidectomy and laryngotracheal reconstruction may be considered suitable for subglottic stenosis with glottic involvement, if accompanied by inflammatory destruction of the cricoid cartilage.

Percutaneous Corticosteroid Injection for Vocal Fold Polyp

To evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of percutaneous corticosteroid injection in patients with vocal fold polyp and to describe its advantages and limitations in this group of patients. Prospective case series. Tertiary care teaching hospital. Twenty-four patients with vocal fold polyp treated between March 1 and December 31, 2007. Percutaneous corticosteroid injection performed with the patient under topical anesthesia. Stroboscopic examination was carried out to evaluate the postoperative response. The Grade of the Severity of Dysphonia, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenicity, and Strain (GRBAS) scale and the Voice Handicap Index were used for subjective assessments. Phonatory results including maximum phonation time, mean flow rate, jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio were also collected for objective evaluations. The surgery was completed smoothly in 22 of the 24 patients, typically within 20 minutes. No complications were noted. The overall response rate by stroboscopy was 91% (20 of 22 patients) and complete remission rate was 59% (13 of 22). A significant improvement was noted between preoperative and postoperative results on the GRBAS scale (P < .001, P < .001, P = .003, P = .001, and P = .002, respectively, for the 5 measures). Mean Voice Handicap Index (P = .001), maximum phonation time (P = .02), jitter (P = .006), shimmer (P = .001), and noise to harmonic ratio (P = .01) also improved significantly after percutaneous corticosteroid injection. Percutaneous corticosteroid injection can be used to manage vocal fold polyps with low invasiveness and minimal morbidity. It offers a simple and cost-effective alternative to traditional direct microlaryngoscopic procedures.

Subtotal Laryngectomy With Tracheohyoidopexy: A Possible Alternative to Total Laryngectomy

The objective of this study was to describe a new subtotal laryngectomy technique that foresees two variations: 1) tracheohyoidopexy (THIP + A or A-A)-subtotal removal of the larynx maintaining one or two cricoarytenoid units and subsequent tracheohyoidopexy; and 2) tracheohyoidoepiglottopexy (THIEP + A or A-A)-resection guarantees preservation of the suprahyoid epiglottis maintaining one or two cricoarytenoid units and further suspension of the tracheal stump at the epiglottis and hyoid bone. The technique is described, step by step, extending laryngeal resection beyond the limits adopted for supracricoid subtotal laryngectomy (SSL). Unlike SSL, tracheohyoidopexy allows glottic tumors with subglottic extension (T2-T3) to be treated, not only laryngeal tumors with invasion of one cricoarytenoid joint (T3), but also locally advanced laryngeal tumors with anterior extension through the thyroid cartilage (T4). A total of 30 operations have been performed: 22 THIEP and eight THIP. In one case, total laryngectomy was necessary 16 days postoperatively as a result of a large pharyngostoma. One month after the operation, all patients were able to tolerate a soft diet. Tracheostomy was removed within 43 postoperative days only in 26 cases. Phonatory results are comparable to those obtained with supracricoid laryngectomy. No definite oncologic conclusions can be drawn, at present, as a result of the short follow-up period. Tracheohyoidopexy is a supracricoid laryngectomy extended toward the cricoid, which, like total laryngectomy, focuses on radical resection of T and N. Functional results are similar to those obtained with SSL; it is mandatory to maintain one functioning cricoarytenoid unit and a wide pyriform sinus.

Autogenous fat injection for glottic insufficiency: Analysis of 101 cases and correlation with patients' self-assessment

Conclusions. Our data confirm that fat injection (FI) is a safe, useful, thorough and experience-dependent procedure. It should be considered as a potential treatment protocol for patients with vocal fold atrophy (VFA) and sulcus vergeture (SVER). To increase the chances of excellent phonatory results for sulcus vocalis (SV) patients, our recommended surgical option is FI with fascia transplantation. Objective. To investigate prognostic factors in patients with glottic insufficiency following FI. Material and methods. The study sample comprised 101 patients treated for VFA (n=31), SVER (n=41) and SV (n=29). A retrospective analysis was performed by means of patient self-assessments, employing multiple logistic regressions for the four independent factors of age, gender, diagnosis and time-frame of surgery. Results. The mean follow-up time was 16.8 months (range 5–38 months). Immediate complications included hematoma of the donor site in two patients and fat extrusion at the injection site in three. The results of treatment were “excellent” in 48.4% (15/31) of VFA cases, 43.9% (18/41) of SVER cases and 20.7% (6/29) of SV cases, with 19.4% (6/31), 24.4% (10/41) and 55.2% (16/29), respectively reporting improvement and 32.3% (10/31), 31.7% (13/41) and 24.1% (7/29), respectively reporting no improvement. Disease type was determined to have a significant bearing (p=0.025) on treatment effectiveness and patients operated on most recently were shown to have a 4.3-times greater chance of achieving successful results (p<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that VFA and SVER sufferers (as compared to those with SV) and men (as opposed to women) were more likely to achieve an “excellent” result: 3.4, 3.3 and 3.6 times, respectively.

Thyroplasty Type I With Montgomery Implant among Native French Language Speakers with Unilateral Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis

To document the long-term results achieved with the Montgomery implant in 96 French speakers with a unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis (ULNP). Retrospective series, inception cohort of 96 patients. Data regarding morbidity and functional results were obtained at regular visits to our clinic. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months or until death. Forty-two patients had a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Early in the study, 36 patients were prospectively recorded under similar conditions before placement of the Montgomery implant and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. None of the 96 patients died in the immediate postoperative period. The perioperative course was unremarkable in 94.8% of cases. Perioperative problems included failure to obtain a satisfactory phonatory result in three patients, difficulty to stabilize the implant posteriorly in one patient, and fracture of the inferior rim of the thyroid cartilage window in another patient. The primary immediate postoperative problem (within the first postoperative month) was laryngeal dyspnea, noted in four patients. According to the patient's subjective assessment, speech and voice was always improved in the immediate postoperative period. However, three patients had secondary degradation of speech and voice. Revision surgery under local anesthesia resulted in a 97.9% ultimate speech and voice success rate. According to the patient's subjective assessment, adequate swallowing in the immediate postoperative period was achieved in 94.2% of cases that had swallowing problems preoperatively. A significant statistical increase in the duration parameters (phonation time, phrase grouping, speech rate) together with a statistical significant decrease in both the jitter and shimmer values was noted when comparing the preoperative and the postoperative values at 1 month. Analysis of the evolution of the speech and voice parameters at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively showed a significant decrease in the fundamental frequency and noise-to-harmonic ratio values but did not demonstrate any significant differences for the other speech and voice parameters. From the reported data, we conclude that the type I thyroplasty with Montgomery implant insertion is a safe and reproducible method to treat ULNP. Furthermore, this system achieves very good and stable phonatory results. Finally, the use of this technique and implant system appears safe in patients from various cultures with ULNP from a variety of causes and severe comorbidity. Over the past decade at our department, this procedure progressively replaced the use of the intracordal injection of autologous fat injection that was initially advocated in patients with ULNP.

Laser Microsurgical Bilateral Posterior Cordectomy for the Treatment of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

We performed a prospective study to assess respiratory function and voice quality before and after laser microsurgical bilateral posterior cordectomy performed for chronic airway obstruction in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. In 17 patients a laser microsurgical posterior cordectomy was performed as an immediate bilateral approach. Roughness, breathiness, hoarseness, and dyspnea were evaluated both subjectively (on a scale from 0 to 3) and objectively (body plethysmography, computerized voice analysis: Göttingen Hoarseness Diagram). After laser surgery, the patients' respiratory function was significantly increased and was sufficient for all activities of daily living. The body plethysmographic measure of airway resistance had superior descriptive power and correlated significantly with the clinical degree of dyspnea (scale 0 to 3). Pretreatment and posttreatment impairment of voice quality was objectively documented with the Göttingen Hoarseness Diagram; the phonatory results measured with it correlated significantly with the subjective clinical evaluation of hoarseness. Aphonia did not occur. A bilateral approach for laser microsurgical posterior cordectomy combines excellent airway improvement and satisfactory voice preservation. In bilateral vocal fold paralysis, pretreatment and posttreatment clinical data should be evaluated by objective measures.

Thyroplasty type I without arytenoid adduction in patients with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis: the montgomery implant versus the Gore-Tex implant

ObjectiveThe current series was designed to compare the results achieved with the Montgomery and Gore-Tex implants in thyroplasty type I without arytenoid adduction in patients with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis.Material and MethodsAn inception cohort of 57 French language speakers with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis were managed with thyroplasty type I using Gore-Tex (Group GT; n=24) or Montgomery (Group M; n=33) implants. The two groups had similar patient characteristics. Morbidity, phonatory results according to self assessment by the patient and selected speech and voice parameters (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise:harmonic ratio, phonation time, phrase grouping and speech rate) were analyzed 1 month postoperatively in both groups.ResultsDyspnea, as noted in three patients, was the only immediate complication. Late complications included persistent inflammation of the vocal cord after insertion of a Gore-Tex implant, endolaryngeal extrusion of the Gore-Tex implant and dislodgment of the Montgomery implant in one patient each. Postoperatively, all patients reported improvements in speech and voice. Secondary degradation of speech and voice was noted in one patient in each group. Comparison of selected speech and voice parameters at 1 month postoperatively showed (i) a statistically significant (p<0.01) decrease in the jitter, shimmer and noise:harmonic ratio values and (ii) a statistically significant (p<0.01) increase in the speech rate values in Group M compared to Group GT patients. Also, a trend (0.05<p<0.1) was noted towards an increase in the phrase grouping values in Group M compared to Group GT patients.ConclusionsAlthough limitations exist in the interpretation of the reported data, our results suggest that in patients with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis managed with a thyroplasty type I technique without arytenoid adduction, the use of a Montgomery compared to a Gore-Tex implant does not influence the success of the procedure according to the patient's self evaluation or the morbidity but does lead to a significant improvement in the values of selected speech and voice parameters.

Unilateral and bilateral recurrence of inferior laryngeal nerve paralysis

Unilateral recurrent nerve paralysis leads to glottic insufficiency, causing a significant lack of vocal ability. In contrast, bilateral palsies present with stridor on inspiration due to glottic stenosis. Most of the underlying lesions are iatrogenic, with thyroid surgery being the single most important causative factor. However, a variety of different reasons can lead to such a condition. Whenever aetiology is uncertain a complete diagnostic work-up is mandatory. Indirect laryngoscopy confirms the diagnosis. Laryngeal electromyography is of great value because it differentiates between paralysis and ankylosis of the cricoarytaenoid joint. Moreover, in many cases laryngeal electromyography provides a reliable prognosis of clinical outcome. While unfavorable results can be predicted with high accuracy, correct prognosis of complete recovery is more difficult. Speech therapy is the treatment of choice in case of unilateral recurrent nerve palsy. Only if a significant glottal gap persists medialization procedures may become useful for voice improvement. Endoscopic as well as open approaches are available for this purpose. Bilateral recurrent nerve palsies need to be addressed surgically in the vast majority of cases. Today, a variety of endoscopic techniques for widening the glottic airway are available. Compared to permanent tracheostomy these procedures have much less impact on the patient's quality of life and should be preferred whenever possible. Inevitably, voice quality is traded for airway normalisation. However, modern surgical techniques accomplish very tolerable phonatory results.

Beidseitige Rekurrenslähmungen

This paper seeks to provide the reader with a state-of-the-art review of the aetiology, diagnosis and clinical management of bilateral recurrent nerve paralysis. The recurrent laryngeal nerves are more frequently involved in bilateral paralysis than any other cranial nerve. Most of the underlying lesions are iatrogenic, with thyroid surgery being the single most important causative factor. However, a variety of different reasons can lead to such a condition. Whenever the aetiology is uncertain, a complete diagnostic work-up is mandatory. Massive stridor on inspiration is the key symptom. Indirect laryngoscopy confirms the diagnosis. Laryngeal electromyography is of great value because it differentiates between paralysis and ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint. Moreover, in many cases, laryngeal electromyography yields reliable prognosis of clinical outcome. While unfavorable results can be predicted with high accuracy, correct prognosis of complete recovery is more difficult. Clinical management is surgical in the vast majority of cases. A variety of endoscopic techniques for widening the glottic airway are available today and are discussed in detail. Compared to permanent tracheostomy, these procedures have much less impact on the patient's quality of life and should be preferred whenever possible. Since such an operation is irreversible, a decision should be made only in the presence of a reliable electrophysiological prognosis and/or after 6-9 months of watchful waiting. Inevitably, voice quality is traded for airway normalisation. However, modern surgical techniques accomplish very tolerable phonatory results. Timing, type and extent of surgery need to be customised for every patient individually.

Phonatory results after laser surgery for glottic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To identify the influence of type and extent of surgery on postoperative voice parameters after endoscopic laser resection for glottic carcinoma. SETTING AND DESIGN: A multidisciplinary university-based head and neck cancer center. Objective and subjective measures of voice were correlated with type and extent of surgery following a standardized classification in a prospective study including 80 patients. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The postoperative mechanism of phonation was assessed by videostroboscopy 6 months after surgery at the earliest. A phonetogram was produced, and its area was calculated (relative phonetogram [RP]) in relation to a gender-different normal phonetogram. Two speech therapists (ST) and a trained otolaryngologist (TO) rated each voice independently for communication ability in a grade from 1 (poor) to 5 (near normal). RESULTS: After simple cordectomy the means were as follows: RP = 24.8%, TO = 3.26, and ST = 3.33. When the anterior commissure was completely preserved, mean results were better (RP = 34%, TO = 3.92, ST = 3.83). Results were worse after extended cordectomy (RP = 14.7%, TO = 2.82, ST = 3.00) and transglottic resection (RP = 13.7%, TO = 2.30, ST = 2.86) but were similar within these two groups. The parameters RP, TO, and ST do not differ significantly between the group who had speech therapy after surgery ( n = 33) and the group who did not ( n = 47). Voice production at glottic level yields better results for every parameter than supraglottic substitute phonation. The amount of tissue removed was less significant. CONCLUSION: Postoperative phonatory results correlate with the postoperative mechanism of phonation. There is no linear correlation with the amount of tissue removed. Comparison of similar types of resection preservation of the anterior commissure plays a key role. From the data in this study, there is no evidence for a significant benefit from speech therapy. The parameter RP is an effective and relatively simple parameter to complete auditory voice assessment. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:418-24.)

Voice quality after partial laser laryngectomy

We conducted a prospective study to investigate voice quality after transoral endolaryngeal laser surgery in terms of ability to communicate effectively. Eighty patients with T1 or T2 glottic carcinoma were enrolled in the study. The main objective was to identify the influence of type and extent of surgery on postoperative voice parameters after endoscopic laser surgery. The postoperative mechanism of phonation was assessed by videostroboscopy six months after surgery at the earliest. A phonetogram was produced and its area calculated (relative phonetogram, RP) in relation to a gender-specific normal phonetogram. A speech therapist (ST) and a trained otolaryngologist (TO) rated each voice independently for communication ability in a grade from 1 (poor) to 6 (near normal). After simple cordectomy the mean values were as follows: RP = 24.8%, TO = 3.26, ST = 3.33. When the anterior commissure was completely preserved mean results were better (RP = 34%, TO = 3.92, ST = 3.83). Results were worse following extended cordectomy (RP = 14.7%, TO = 2.82, ST = 3.00) and transglottic resection (RP = 13.7%, TO = 2.30, ST = 2.86), but similar within these two groups. The parameters RP, TO, and ST do not differ significantly between the group who had speech therapy after surgery (N = 33) and the group who did not (N = 47). Voice production at glottic level yields better results for every parameter than supraglottic substitute phonation. The amount of tissue removed was less significant. We conclude that postoperative phonatory results correlate with the postoperative mechanism of phonation. There is no linear correlation with the amount of tissue removed. Comparing similar types of resection preservation of the anterior commissure plays a key role. From the data in this study there is no evidence of a significant benefit from speech therapy. The parameter RP is an effective and relatively simple parameter to complete auditive voice assessment.

Indications, technic and results following Sedlacek-Kambic-Tucker reconstructive partial resection of the larynx

Management of laryngeal carcinoma located at the anterior commissure remains controversial. Local control rates with radiotherapy or surgery are not as good as those seen after treatment of midcord lesions. The vertical partial laryngectomy with epiglottic reconstruction (VPLER) may be a more successful approach to such lesions. The charts of all patients treated for larynx carcinoma between 1991 and 1996 at the authors' institutions were reviewed to identify those patients treated with VPLER as described by Sedlacek in 1965, Kambic in 1976 and Tucker in 1979. Indications for performing surgery and outcome data of patients were collected and analyzed according to the indications for surgery, surgical technique, perioperative complications, oncological outcomes and functional results. Twelve patients were identified that had been treated with VPLER. Indications for surgery included five patients with local recurrences following endoscopic laser partial laryngectomies, four cases with previously untreated primary tumors at the anterior commissure (T2 N0-2 M0), two with local recurrences following radiotherapy, and one with recurrence following frontolateral partial laryngectomy. There were no postoperative complications except for one laryngocutaneous fistula that required secondary repair. All patients were able to swallow at the tenth postoperative day. All had their tracheostomies closed after completion of wound healing, (a mean of 17 days after surgery). Phonatory results were usually poor. Two local recurrences occurred during the follow-up period. However, both patients were salvaged with total laryngectomies and have since been free from disease. All other patients are alive and well. Our findings show that VPLER is an effective surgical approach for carcinoma at the anterior commissure of the larynx that cannot be adequately managed with transoral laser surgery or simple frontolateral partial laryngectomy. This study demonstrates that the procedure can be successfully applied to the treatment of local recurrences following initial radiotherapy or surgery. No major complications occurred in our study.

Phonatory results following laser surgery for glottic carcimoma

Phonatory results following laser surgery for glottic carcimoma