Organ preservation surgery for laryngeal cancer

The advent of combined chemotherapy and radiation protocols in the treatment of laryngeal cancer has given rise to the term "organ preservation." Open organ preservation surgical procedures for laryngeal cancer and their indications for use are reviewed. Principles involved in organ preservation laryngeal surgery and how they relate to evaluating and confidently selecting surgical candidates are discussed. Because total laryngectomy and medical organ preservation protocols may not be acceptable to the patient from a quality of life standpoint, the authors emphasize that it is incumbent upon the head and neck surgeon to have a thorough understanding of all options available for treatment in the organ preservation paradigm for laryngeal cancer to provide the best oncologic and functional outcome.