[Total glossectomy without laryngectomy for recurrence after initial irradiation (2 year follow-up)]

In our experience of 171 glossectomies for recurrence, salvage partial glossectomy yields 50% of local control. Myo-cutaneous flap allows wide total glossectomy without total laryngectomy. This procedure may improve the local control. Of 25 patients treated by this technique, 2 deceased before the 45th post-operative day, 15 swallow correctly and 11 have a good speech. The survival rate is 10/21 at 6 months, 7/16 at 12 and 6/13 at 18. A local failure was observed in 7 and 6 have a second primary in the upper respiratory and digestive tract. Total glossectomy without total laryngectomy is only indicated for patients with bulky tumor, without spread of the vallecula and with no palpable cervical node.