Complications of laryngectomy and neck dissection following planned preoperative radiotherapy

One hundred sixty-nine patients with carcinoma involving the larynx treated with surgery, combined preoperative radiotherapy plus surgery, or failed curative radiotherapy with surgical salvage have been evaluated with respect to complications. Major complications occurred at approximately the same rate with all three modes of therapy. Major complications had generally a later onset and healed less rapidly in the preoperative radiotherapy group. Minor complications occurred more frequently in irradiated patients than in nonirradiated patients. When evaluating postoperative complications in irradiated patients the time interval must be extended beyond the immediate span because of delayed onset.