Supraglottic laryngectomy: 30 years of experience

A review of 467 cases of supraglottic laryngectomy operated during the last 30 years is presented. Cases have been subdivided into groups according to stage and TNM classification. By far the most numerous in this series were T2 cases. No cases prevailed over N+ by 4:1. Stage II cases represented about 60% of the total. Results are analyzed according to TNM and staging. The average overall 5-year cure rate is 75%. The influence of factors other than TNM and staging upon results is also considered. Supraglottic laryngectomy may be extended to include one arytenoid, the base of the tongue, or both, with approximately equal results. Practically all cases had en bloc bilateral functional or classic neck dissection for threatening or actual lymph node metastases. This may have contributed to a higher number of successes. Combined surgery and radiotherapy is occasionally indicated, but rarely improves the prognosis of severe cases. Site and type of recurrences are considered and their treatment and prognosis are discussed. On the basis of the present study the clinical value of supraglottic laryngectomy is further assessed.