Supraglottic laryngectomy: a perspective for New Zealand

A series of 794 patients with laryngeal cancer in Liverpool from 1965 to 1983 were reviewed with particular reference to the results after supraglottic laryngectomy. The results indicated that radiotherapy is to be preferred for T1N0 supraglottic tumours, and supraglottic laryngectomy is indicated only for patients with small primary tumours, and clinically involved lymph nodes. On comparing 274 patients with laryngeal cancer from Auckland, seen over a similar period (1965-1979), it is clear that even fewer patients than in Liverpool, both absolutely and relatively, would be eligible for supraglottic laryngectomy in New Zealand. In view of the reportedly high morbidity and mortality associated with the operation, one may question the wisdom of performing supraglottic laryngectomy in New Zealand, where suitable patients are rare.