[Endoscopic surgery of vocal cord cancers]

Controversy began in the last century as to whether endoscopic surgery for vocal cord carcinoma carries an unnecessary risk for the patient. This controversy has been renewed since microlaryngoscopy offered the possibility of precise endoscopic resection of a vocal cord carcinoma. The most decisive prerequisites are careful assessment and adherence to strict indications. We only remove small carcinomas arising on freely mobile vocal cords by endoscopy, if the tumour is fully visible through a larger calibre operating laryngoscope. We prefer to use conventional microsurgical instruments rather than the laser. The specimen should be taken in one piece and be subjected to histological examination. Every patient must be closely followed up. A total of 76 patients with carcinomata in situ (Tis a, Tis b) and microinvasive carcinomas (T 1a, T 1b) have been followed for up to 8 years. So far not a single patient has lost his life, his larynx or his voice, or needed an additional external operation or irradiation. The results of endolaryngeal microsurgery for smaller vocal cord tumours are achieved with a minimum cost in time and money, and the least possible burden for the patient. They are scarcely inferior to primary irradiation with respect to the voice and are definitely better with respect to cure. However such results are only achieved in very carefully selected cases.