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.