[Survival rate and function in horizontal laryngeal and total laryngeal resection]

72 patients with supraglottic carcinomas were stratified into two groups with similar cancerological data. 36 underwent horizontal and 36 total laryngectomy. Both groups were radiated postoperatively. In N0, elective neck dissection was omitted. Superior survival was achieved in patients after total laryngectomy. Recurrence rate in the neck for both groups was 6%. There was considerable morbidity after horizontal laryngectomy with aspiration being the main factor. 30.6% of the patients were unable to swallow at all and 30% had a permanent tracheostomy because of laryngeal stenosis. Technical modifications of horizontal laryngectomy including a change in postoperative radiotherapy as described seem to provide better functional results.