Transoral CO2 Laser Microsurgery Research Articles

Unusual Migration of Bullet from the Right Scalp to Left Pyriform Fossa.

Spontaneous migration of a retained bullet is rare. Foreign bodies like bullets will be found at the distant site from the region of wound of entry in case they migrate. We report a case of a 17-year-old female with spontaneous migration of bullet from right temporo- parietal scalp to the posterior wall of left pyriform fossa. Twelve years back she had received a gunshot in right temporal region, no exploration was done to remove the bullet. She started complaining of discomfort in the upper neck of two months duration. Rigid laryngoscopy revealed smooth bulge with thinning of overlying mucosa. Radiographs of the neck showed bullet along the posterior pharyngeal wall in the region of the pyriform fossa. CT scan of the head and neck region was done to exclude the presence of any other foreign bodies. Microlaryngoscopy suspension of the larynx was done and CO2 laser was used to incise the mucosa over the bullet and it was retrieved with the help of long artery forceps. Our case illustrates that bullets may take an unexpected course from the site of entry, probably by migration. Trans oral CO2 laser microsurgery is the recommended approach for removal of such foreign bodies.

Individualized Dynamic Prediction Model for Patient-Reported Voice Quality in Early-Stage Glottic Cancer.

Early-stage glottic cancer (ESGC) is a malignancy of the head and neck. Besides disease control, preservation and improvement of voice quality are essential. To enable expectation management and well-informed decision-making, patients should be sufficiently counseled with individualized information on expected voice quality. This study aims to develop an individualized dynamic prediction model for patient-reported voice quality. This model should be able to provide individualized predictions at every time point from intake to the end of follow-up. Longitudinal cohort study. Tertiary cancer center. Patients treated for ESGC were included in this study (N = 294). The Voice Handicap Index was obtained prospectively. The framework of mixed and joint models was used. The prognostic factors used are treatment, age, gender, comorbidity, performance score, smoking, T-stage, and involvement of the anterior commissure. The overall performance of these models was assessed during an internal cross-validation procedure and presentation of absolute errors using box plots. The mean age in this cohort was 67 years and 81.3% are male. Patients were treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (57.8%), single vocal cord irradiation up to (24.5), or local radiotherapy (17.5%). The mean follow-up was 43.4 months (SD 21.5). Including more measurements during prediction improves predictive performance. Including more clinical and demographic variables did not provide better predictions. Little differences in predictive performance between models were found. We developed a dynamic individualized prediction model for patient-reported voice quality. This model has the potential to empower patients and professionals in making well-informed decisions and enables tailor-made counseling.

Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies of Unusual Subglottic Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is primarily found in the salivary glands, and is extremely rare in the subglottic region. Here we present a subglottic PA that presented with symptoms of dry cough and dyspnea. A submucosal mass was found in the subglottic region under laryngoscopy, occluding approximately 40% of the lumen. The patient underwent the transoral endoscopic CO2 laser microsurgery under high-frequency jet ventilation for mass resection, and the pathology report supported the diagnosis of PA. At the 2-year follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence, and the patient is currently under regular long-term monitoring. Dyspnea and dry cough are nonspecific respiratory symptoms. When no findings discovered in the regular site, it should be noted that the subglottic area is often a blind spot for both pulmonologists and otolaryngologists, and as such, requires careful examination. Transoral endoscopic CO2 laser microsurgery under high-frequency jet ventilation was found to be an effective and less invasive method for treating subglottic PA. This approach helped avoid tracheostomy and resulted in better postoperative recovery.

Management and Oncologic Outcomes of Close and Positive Margins after Transoral CO2 Laser Microsurgery for Early Glottic Carcinoma

The present study analyzed the impact of margin status on local control and survival, and the management of close/positive margins after transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma. 351 patients (328 males, 23 females, mean age 65.6 years) underwent surgery. We identified the following margin statuses: negative, close superficial (CS), close deep (CD), positive single superficial (SS), positive multiple superficial (MS), and positive deep (DEEP). A total of 286 patients (81.5%) had negative margins, 23 (6.5%) had close margins (8 CS, 15 CD) and 42 (12%) had positive margins (16 SS, 9 MS, 17 DEEP). Among the 65 patients with close/positive margins, 44 patients underwent enlargement, 6 radiotherapy and 15 follow-up. Twenty-two patients (6.3%) recurred. Patients with DEEP or CD margins showed a higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratios of 2.863 and 2.537, respectively), compared to patients with negative margins. Local control with laser alone, overall laryngeal preservation and disease-specific survival decreased significantly in patients with DEEP margins (57.5%, 86.9% and 92.9%, p < 0.05). Patients with CS or SS margins could be safely submitted to follow-up. In the case of CD and MS margins, any additional treatment should be discussed with the patient. In the case of DEEP margin, additional treatment is always recommended.

Longitudinal Patient-Reported Voice Quality in Early-Stage Glottic Cancer.

Patient-reported voice quality is an important outcome during counseling in early-stage glottic cancer. However, there is a paucity of adequate longitudinal studies concerning voice outcomes. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal trajectories for patient-reported voice quality and associated risk factors for treatment modalities such as transoral CO2 laser microsurgery, single vocal cord irradiation, and local radiotherapy. A longitudinal observational cohort study. Tertiary cancer center. Patients treated for Tcis-T1b, N0M0 glottic cancer were included in this study (N = 294). The Voice Handicap Index was obtained at baseline and during follow-up (N = 1944). Mixed-effects models were used for investigating the different trajectories for patient-reported voice quality. The mean follow-up duration was 43.4 (SD 21.5) months. Patients received transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (57.8%), single vocal cord irradiation (24.5%), or local radiotherapy (17.5%). A steeper improvement during the first year after treatment for single vocal cord irradiation (-15.7) and local radiotherapy (-12.4) was seen, compared with a more stable trajectory for laser surgery (-6.1). All treatment modalities showed equivalent outcomes during long-term follow-up. Associated risk factors for different longitudinal trajectories were age, tumor stage, and comorbidity. Longitudinal patient-reported voice quality after treatment for early-stage glottic cancer is heterogeneous and nonlinear. Most improvement is seen during the first year of follow-up and differs between treatment modalities. No clinically significant differences in long-term trajectories were found. Insight into longitudinal trajectories can enhance individual patient counseling and provide the foundation for an individualized dynamic prediction model.

Influence of age on voice quality after transoral CO2 laser microsurgery

ObjectiveTo study the post-operative evolution of voice quality of patients treated by transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) according to the age.MethodsPatients treated by type I to VI TLM and post-operative speech therapy were prospectively recruited from our hospital. The voice quality was assessed pre-, 1-, 3- 6- and 12-month posttreatment with voice handicap index (VHI), dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain (GRBAS), maximal phonation time (MPT), F0, F0 standard deviation (STD), percent jitter, percent shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), vocal fold vibration assessment and speech fluency. Evolution of voice outcomes was analyzed considering age of patients (< 60 vs. ≥ 60 years).ResultsSeventy-five patients completed the evaluations. Thirty-four and forty-one patients were < 60 or ≥ 60 yo, respectively. Subjective and objective voice parameters (VHI, G, R, B), jitter and fluency significantly improved from 1- to 6-month post-TLM in < 60 yo individuals. The voice parameters improved 12-month post-TLM in the ≥ 60 yo group at the exception of VHI that improved 3-month post-TLM. There were positive associations between age and 12-month NHR, G and A parameters.ConclusionThe post-operative evolution of voice quality parameters may vary between patients according to the age. Preoperative VHI is predictive of 12-month subjective and objective voice outcomes.Graphical abstract

Survival study in early stages of glottis cancer, stratified by treatment

Introduction Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vocal cord in stages I or II can be treated with radiotherapy (RT) or transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM), with good oncological results. Objectives To study the survival of patients with SCC of the vocal cord in early stages, treated with RT or TLM, in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods Disease-free survival (DFS), specific survival (SS), and overall survival (OS) were studied in patients diagnosed with stage I and II SCC of the vocal cord, for a span of 10 years of follow-up, based on sociodemographic characteristics of the patient and the primary treatment (TLM or RT). Results Both treatments achieved good survival rates. However, long-term SS was greater in patients treated with TLM compared to those treated with RT (91.7% vs. 50%, respectively, p = .001). In addition, patients treated with TLM presented a higher OS in the short term than those treated with RT (99.0% vs. 89.1%, respectively. p = .004). Conclusions and significance Primary treatment with TLM obtained better results than RT in the survival of patients with SCC of the vocal cord in the early stages.

Functional outcomes after transoral CO2 laser treatment for posterior glottic stenosis: a bicentric case series

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate functional outcomes in terms of decannulation rate and quality of life of patients affected by PGS (Grades I–IV) treated only by transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TOLMS) in two tertiary centers.MethodsAn observational retrospective study was carried out, enrolling 22 patients affected by PGS who were treated by a transoral approach at two tertiary referral centers. Surgical treatment included TOLMS with tailored laser resection of the scar tissue combined with posterior cordotomy, resurfacing of the raw area with mucosal microflap, or placement of a Montgomery T-tube or Keel stent. All patients were evaluated and staged preoperatively and postoperatively, at least 6 months after the surgery. Functional outcomes were objectively evaluated by the Airway-Dysphonia-Voice-Swallowing (ADVS) staging system, Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30), and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaires.ResultsQuality of life significantly improved as measured by the VHI-30 questionnaire with a median variation of − 31.0 (p = 0.003), the EAT-10 with a median variation of − 4.0 (p = 0.042), and the ADVS with a median variation of − 3.5 (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in swallowing scores. We were able to decannulate 7 of 9 patients (almost 80%) with previous tracheotomy.ConclusionIn conclusion, even if there is still no general agreement on an exact therapeutic algorithm to treat PGS, our results confirm that transoral surgery, in terms of scar tissue removal, combined in selected patients with posterior cordotomy and pedicled local flaps and/or placement of stents, represents a safe and effective surgical approach even for more severe PGS.

Vocal Outcome After Cordectomy by Transoral CO2 Laser Microsurgery in Patients With Laryngeal Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Non-neoplastic Lesions

This study investigates vocal outcome after cordectomy by transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM-cordectomy) in patients with laryngeal intra-epithelial neoplasia (LIN) or non-neoplastic lesions (NNL), for improved individual patient advice and potential adjustment of national treatment strategy by which patients suspected to have glottic LIN or T1a cancer are offered TLM-cordectomy, without prior biopsy. Prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental time series. Consecutively included patients (n=155) with LIN (n=84) or NNL (n=71) who underwent voice assessments before and after TLM-cordectomy. The multi-dimensional voice assessment protocol comprised voice and speech range profiles, aerodynamics, acoustic analysis, self-evaluated voice handicap, and perceptual auditory voice ratings. Median follow-up time was 195 (range 50-1121) days for patients with LIN and 193 (range 69-1294) days for patients with NNL. Statistically significant changes, LIN: in voice handicap index (VHI) and breathiness after TLM-cordectomy. Statistically significant changes, NNL: voice range profile (voice range area, intensity range, and frequency range) and VHI after TLM-cordectomy. All group-wise changes were to less disordered voices. Previous smokers had the largest decreases in VHI and breathiness. Patients with baseline VHI scores >65 had smaller increases in VHI, however 13-19% of the patients had increases in VHI above the clinically relevant threshold after TLM-cordectomy. Overall, TLM-cordectomy in patients with LIN and NNL improved vocal outcome and our study thus supports the current Danish treatment strategy and improves the basis for proper patient advice. Multi-dimensional voice assessment is suggested preoperatively and six-nine months postoperatively, with focus on individual vocal differences and voice demands.

Risk factors for local recurrence of early bilateral vocal cord carcinoma treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery

Background The incidence of local recurrence after transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma is relatively low. Multiple risk factors have been described for the development of local recurrence after treatment. However, to date, there is no analysis or systematic review investigating the relationships between clinical and histopathological factors and the appearance of local recurrence after transoral CO2 laser microsurgery in T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma patients. Aims/objective To investigate risk factors for local recurrence after CO2 laser surgery in T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma involving bilateral vocal cords. Material and methods We retrospectively studied patients undergoing CO2 laser surgery for T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma involving bilateral vocal cords. Multiple follow-up laryngoscopies and computed tomographies were performed. Main outcome measures: survival rate, local recurrence rate, and independent risk factors for recurrence. Results All 85 patients (83 male; age, 63.33 ± 10.59 years; 36 T1b and 49 T2 lesions; 28 cases with and 57 without anterior commissure (AC) involvement) survived; 15 exhibited postoperative local recurrence. Recurrence rates differed between the following groups: patients without (6/57) versus patients with AC involvement (9/28) (p = .007); patients with negative (11/77) versus positive resection margins (4/8) (p = .014); p53-negative (5/51) versus p53-positive patients (10/34) (p = .0132). AC involvement, positive resection margins, and p53 expression were independent risk factors for recurrence. Conclusions Patients with stage T1b and T2 glottic carcinoma with AC involvement, positive resection margins, and p53 expression should be followed up at shorter intervals. Significance This article provided valid clinical data for risk factors for local recurrence after CO2 laser surgery for T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma involving bilateral vocal cords.

Quality of life after transoral CO2 laser posterior cordotomy with or without partial arytenoidectomy for bilateral adductor vocal cord paralysis

ObjectivesBilateral adductor vocal cord paralysis (BAVCP) is a rare and challenging condition whose main consequence is reduction of airway patency at the glottic level, often causing respiratory distress, while vocal function tends to remain almost normal. We investigated the effect of transoral glottal widening on quality of life and decannulation rates in patients affected by BAVCP.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients affected by BAVCP and treated by transoral CO2 posterior cordotomy with or without medial partial arytenoidectomy (PC ± MPA) at two referral centers. The primary outcome was change in quality of life, evaluated pre- and post-operatively by the ADVS, VHI-30, and EAT-10 questionnaires. Secondary outcomes were the need for retreatments and, for patients with tracheotomy, the time to decannulation.ResultsThirty-three patients met selection criteria. The etiology was post-surgical in 27 cases (81.8%), idiopathic in 4 (12.1%), a trauma-related in 1 (6.0%), and to other causes in 1 (3.0%). In 22 cases (66.7%), PC was combined with MPA. A significant improvement in responses for the ADVS (p < .0001) and EAT-10 (p < .0001) was observed, whereas the VHI-30 score did not change significantly post-operatively. All nine patients with a tracheostomy were successfully decannulated within 18 months after the surgical procedure.ConclusionsFor patients affected by BAVCP, PC ± MPA by transoral CO2 laser microsurgery is a safe, customizable and minimally invasive treatment that can guarantee an affordable balance between quality of life in terms of phonation and swallowing and acceptable airway patency.

T1a Glottic Cancer: Advances in Vocal Outcome Assessment after Transoral CO2-Laser Microsurgery Using the VEM.

Patients with unilateral vocal fold cancer (T1a) have a favorable prognosis. In addition to the oncological results of CO2 transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), voice function is among the outcome measures. Previous early glottic cancer studies have reported voice function in patients grouped into combined T stages (Tis, T1, T2) and merged cordectomy types (lesser- vs. larger-extent cordectomies). Some authors have questioned the value of objective vocal parameters. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory prospective study was to investigate TOLMS-associated oncological and vocal outcomes in 60 T1a patients, applying the ELS protocols for cordectomy classification and voice assessment. Pre- and postoperative voice function analysis included: Vocal Extent Measure (VEM), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), auditory-perceptual assessment (GRB), and 9-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-9i). Altogether, 51 subjects (43 male, eight female, mean age 65 years) completed the study. The 5-year recurrence-free, overall, and disease-specific survival rates (Kaplan–Meier method) were 71.4%, 94.4%, and 100.0%. Voice function was preserved; the objective parameter VEM (64 ± 33 vs. 83 ± 31; mean ± SD) and subjective vocal measures (G: 1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7; VHI-9i: 18 ± 8 vs. 9 ± 9) even improved significantly (p < 0.001). The VEM best reflected self-perceived voice impairment. It represents a sensitive measure of voice function for quantification of vocal performance.

Shrinkage of specimens after CO2 laser cordectomy: an objective intraoperative evaluation.

The margin status after CO2 laser cordectomy for glottic carcinoma may influence prognosis. There are no studies assessing the possible bias due to anatomic changes of the specimens for shrinkage. The authors evaluated the intraoperative shrinkage of specimens immediately after transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (CO2 TOLMS) to improve the understanding and the interpretation of surgical margins. This is a prospective study involving a consecutive cohort of 23 patients (19 males, 4 females, mean age 69.9years, range 42-83years) with early glottic carcinoma treated by CO2 TOLMS from February 2017 to April 2019. The anteroposterior shrinkage of the specimen, of the tumor, and of the anterior and posterior margins was measured intraoperatively with a cross table reticle glass micrometer ruler, inserted into the eyepiece of the surgical microscope. The mean shrinkage of the mucosal specimen from intralaryngeal measurement to post-resection measurement was 3.8 ± 0.3mm, resulting in an average loss of 29% of the anteroposterior length (p < 0.01). The anteroposterior length of both the tumor and the margins after resection significantly decreased, but the shrinkage of the anterior and posterior margins was significantly greater than the shrinkage of the tumor (49% versus 20% and 45% versus 20%, p < 0.01). The present study demonstrates significant shrinkage of specimens after CO2 TOLMS, especially in the anteroposterior length of the vocal cords, and justifies the good oncological results for specimens with close and single positive superficial margins. Follow-up versus a second surgical look policy could be safely suggested in cases of close superficial and single positive superficial margins.

Research Article Use of transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for treatment of cancerous neoplasms of the larynx in Vietnam

Research Article Use of transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for treatment of cancerous neoplasms of the larynx in Vietnam

Analysis of prognostic factors for Tis-2N0M0 early glottic cancer with different treatment methods

IntroductionIn many regions, laryngeal carcinoma is a common upper respiratory tract cancer, most commonly involving the glottic region. The treatment of early glottic cancer includes radiotherapy, open surgery and laryngeal laser microsurgery. However, the preferred treatment for early glottic cancer is still controversial. ObjectivesTo study the factors affecting the 5-year survival rate of Tis-2N0M0 early glottis cancer and to demonstrate the oncological safety of different treatments. Methods144 patients with early glottic cancer were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were clinically node negative. 53 patients underwent open surgery, transoral CO2 laser microsurgery in 46 cases and radiotherapy in 45 cases. The patients were followed up for 26 − 84 months, with an average follow-up period of 62.9 months. ResultsThe 5-year overall survival was 82.6%. The 5 year survival rates of open surgery, laser microsurgery and radiotherapy were 83.0%, 82.6% and 82.2%, respectively. There was no significant difference in 5-year survival rate among the three treatments (p = 0.987). In multivariate analysis, age, T-stage, pathological grading, and anterior commissure involvement were important prognostic factors for early glottic cancer. ConclusionThere was no significant difference in 5 year survival rate among patients treated by either radiotherapy, laser microsurgery or open surgery for early glottic cancer. We urge more attention to the age, T-stage, pathological grade, and anterior commissure involvement of the patients.

Radiotherapy versus laser microsurgery in the treatment of early glottic cancer

Background Glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in stages I or II can be treated by transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) or exclusive radiotherapy (RT). Objectives To compare the oncological results of patients treated with TLM, to those treated with RT, in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods Data from patients diagnosed with glottic SCC in stages I and II between 2004 and 2018 were analyzed. Response to treatment was studied in terms of recurrence, local control and laryngeal preservation. Results Of 164 patients, 63.41% received treatment with TLM and 36.58% with RT. 26.21% presented a recurrence or progression of the tumor. Both treatments obtained good local control rates (84.15% in the case of TLM and 89.6% in the case of RT) and no significant association was found between tumor recurrence and type of treatment, nor with the involvement of the anterior commissure. However, treatment with RT obtained worse laryngeal preservation rate compared to TLM (81.6% and 100% respectively) (p < .001LR). Conclusions and significance: Both treatments obtained good oncological results. There were no significant differences regarding local control. However, TLM obtained a better laryngeal preservation rate. The involvement of the anterior commissure was not a poor prognosis factor for tumor recurrence.

Quality of life and voice outcome of patients treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma (T1\u2013T2): a 2-year follow-up study

PurposeLongitudinal studies in laryngeal cancer can provide clinicians information about short-term and long-term functional outcomes, like quality of life (QoL) and voice outcome. This information is important when counseling patients or choosing a primary treatment modality. The present study assessed long-term (2 years) QoL and voice outcome in patients with extended T1 and limited T2 glottic carcinoma treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) (unilateral type III or bilateral type II resections).MethodsThree questionnaires were administered: the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaire (QLQ)-C30, the EORTC QLQ-HN35. A perceptual voice evaluation at six different time points was conducted: preoperatively, and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Fluctuations over time were investigated.ResultsSixty-one patients were included in the analysis. Patients reported high-level functioning and low symptom scores 2 years postoperatively. Gender significantly affected the VHI scores at 2 years (mean VHI scores: female 8.7 vs. male, 23.9; p = 0.023). The major improvement in VHI scores was observed within the first 6 months. The tumor stage (T1a, T1b, and T2) significantly impacted the grade (mean scores at 2 years: 1.0, 1.9, and 1.7; p = 0.001). These scores stabilized at 6 months.ConclusionsPatients show good long-term QoL with low symptom scores, a low voice handicap, and mild to moderate dysphonia, 2 years postoperatively. Scores stabilize at 6 months and provide a clear indication of status at 1 and 2 years.

Evaluation of surgical margin status in patients with early glottic cancer (Tis-T2) treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery, on local control

PurposeTo assess the impact of surgical margins status on local control in patients with primary early glottic (Tis-T2) squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) and to assess the significance of additional wound bed biopsies.MethodsPatients with Tis-T2 tumours treated with TLM type I–III resections according to the European Laryngological Society classification between 2009 and 2013 were included in retrospective analysis. Recurrence rate was determined in patients with free versus non-free specimen margins and wound biopsies. Five-year survival rates were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic impact of pT-category, resection margin status, tumour differentiation, wound bed biopsy status, and number of biopsies on local control (LC) were tested with the log-rank test.ResultsEighty-four patients were included in the analysis. Positive margins were seen in 68 patients (81.0%). Margin status after TLM did not significantly influence LC (p = 0.489), however, additional wound bed biopsies were significantly associated with lower LC (p = 0.009). Five-year LC, disease-specific survival, overall survival and laryngeal preservation were 78.6, 78.0, 98.6 and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsAdditional wound bed biopsies can help predict local recurrence in patients treated with TLM for early glottic carcinoma. We propose that there is enough evidence to support a wait-and-see policy in patients with positive specimen margins and negative wound bed biopsies. For patients with positive wound bed biopsies, further treatment is warranted.

Oncological Outcomes Following Transoral CO2 Laser Microsurgery for T1 Glottic Cancer.

The objective of this study is to analyze oncological outcomes for treatment of Tis and T1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma after transoral laser microsurgery. This study is retrospective analysis of previously untreated, suspected lesion of glottis, staged cT1a and cT1b squamous cell carcinoma in a tertiary care hospital and 53 patients were included in the study. End points for analysis were local control, overall and disease specific survival rates. The local control, ultimate local control with laser alone, 3-year overall survival, 3-year disease specific survival and organ preservation rates were 86.7, 90.5, 92.4, 98.1 and 98.1% respectively. The involvement of anterior commissure did not show any significant impact on local control or survival. TLM is safe and effective treatment of early glottis cancer, associated with less morbidity and a high percentage of local control, survival and organ preservation rates.

Treatment Preferences in Patients With Early Glottic Cancer.

Objective:For early glottic carcinoma, the 2 main treatment modalities are radiotherapy (RT) and transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM). The aim of this study was to investigate treatment preferences and considerations in patients with early glottic carcinoma (T1-T2) who were given a choice between TLM and RT.Subjects and Methods:Patients with early glottic cancer (suspected or confirmed extended T1 or limited T2) were counseled by an ENT-surgeon. A subset of 32 patients was also counseled by a radiotherapist. Treatment choice and considerations were recorded and analyzed.Results:Of 175 patients, 168 patients (96%) chose TLM, and 7 patients (4%) chose RT. The most common reason for choosing TLM was shorter treatment and more treatment options in case of recurrence. Subanalysis showed that additional counseling by the radiotherapist did not seem to affect our patients’ preferences for TLM in this group.Conclusions:The majority of patients in our study prefer TLM to RT when given a choice. Reasons given indicate that optimizing future treatment options and practical considerations seemed more important to our patients than primary functional outcome. Further research is needed to study patient-related and physician-related factors to gain more insight into this complicated process of shared decision making.