[Direct Microlaryngoscopy: A Population-Based Analysis on Outcome, Complications and Surgery Rates]

Although microlaryngoscopy is an integral part of surgical routine of otorhinolaryngologists, there is no population-based data published on surgery rates and efficiency of microlaryngoscopy country-wide or nation-wide. All 616 patients who underwent microlaryngoscopy 2011 in one of the eight ENT departments in Thuringia were analyzed according to patients' characteristics, therapy, complications and follow-up. The majority of admissions were performed because of a benign disease (60%) of the larynx, and in 33% related to a malignant disease or suspicion of a malignant disease. When a benign disease was suspected, it was confirmed 98% of cases. When a malignant tumor was suspected, it was confirmed in 51% of cases, i. e. ruled out in 49% of cases. Transient laryngeal edema (22%) and bleeding needing revision surgery (1%) were the most frequent or serve observed postoperative sequelae. Teeth damage occurred only in 2 cases (0.2%). A recurrence of the primary disease was observed in 14%. Longer surgery time was an independent predictor for postoperative bleeding and for postoperative laryngeal edema (p=0.050 and p=0.013, respectively). Revision surgery (p<0.0001) and a final diagnosis of a malignant disease (p=0.017) were independent predictors for recurrence of the primary disease. The overall incidence of microlaryngoscopy was 22.98/100000 population. The highest incidence was seen for patients 50-59 years of age with 39.76/100000. Benign diseases were the most frequent indication with 19.33/100000. This population-based analysis is showing that microlaryngoscopy is performed effectively and with low postoperative risks in daily routine of otorhinolaryngologists.