"Emergency" laryngectomy and stomal recurrence

The data on 281 patients who underwent surgical therapy for laryngeal carcinoma from 1976 through 1984 were reviewed, revealing 16 patients who presented with an impending obstruction of the airway that was treated by an "emergency" laryngectomy. A review of the patients in our series did not reveal any serious complications from the procedure and it has allowed effective management of these advanced neoplasms. In addition, 10 patients who developed peristomal recurrences were reviewed. Preoperative factors such as location of lesion, antecedent surgery, and previous radiation therapy were assessed and compared to the patients who underwent "emergency" laryngectomy in an attempt to further define risk factors involved in peristomal recurrence. A strong association with subglottic extension was noted. Also associated in this review was antecedent full-course radiation therapy.