[Stomal recurrence following total laryngectomy--a clinicopathological study]

A clinicopathological study of 10 cases of stomal recurrence following total laryngectomy treated at Kurume University Hospital from 1971 to 1986 was completed. The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1) The frequency of stomal recurrence was 5.8%. 2) Of these 10 cases, 3 cases were supraglottic (3%), 5 cases were glottic (7%), and 2 cases were subglottic (29%) carcinomas. The incidence of stomal recurrence was higher in subglottic carcinomas. 3) Nine cases out of 10 extend to the subglottic region. 4) The incidence of stomal recurrence was higher in emergency tracheostomy case. 5) Average of period from total laryngectomy to stomal recurrence was 9.7 months. 6) It is suggested that the cause of stomal recurrence is metastasis to the paratracheal lymphnode. 7) In order to prevent stomal recurrence, it is important to dissect paratracheal soft tissues bilaterally in high risk cases. 8) With regard to treatment, it is better to remove surgically the tumor and paratracheal soft tissues as completely as possible and to do postoperative radiation.