Functional evaluation after partial resection in patients with carcinoma of the larynx

This paper presents the results of conservative operations on patients with laryngeal carcinoma in the ENT Department of the University Hospital "Dr. Mladen Stoianović," Zagreb, Yugoslavia, during the last 20 years. The authors have evaluated the functional results after partial vertical and horizontal surgical interventions on the larynx and after the reconstruction of the larynx following these operations. Functional analysis of the voice was performed by stroboscopic, indirect microlaryngostroboscopic and sonagraphic examinations of the laryngeal function, as well as by the spirometric analysis of the respiratory potential of these patients, especially the degree of obstruction of the upper respiratory tract and changes on the cardiovascular system. Attention has been given likewise to the examination of the act of swallowing, especially after horizontal partial resections of the larynx. Radiography and radiocinematography was used for these examinations. Based on this research the authors have formulated new conceptions and opinions about the voice generator.