Complications of conservation surgery of the laryngopharynx

Conservation surgery of the larynx describes various surgical techniques which are generally used in the management of neoplastic conditions involving the larynx or the laryngopharynx. By utilizing these partial resections of the larynx, the phonotary and protective functions of the organ are preserved, as well as an adequate laryngeal lumen for breathing without compromising the patient's overall survival rate. In the majority of instances, conservation surgery of the larynx is carried out with only a low incidence of complications. When proper surgical technique is followed, the metabolic condition of the patient is acceptable, and the blood supply to the tissues subjected to surgery remains good, the incidence of complications is low. Alternatively, if surgery is undertaken when conditions are not totally correct or are marginal, the complication rate rises accordingly. This paper will summarize the complications which occur more commonly when undertaking this type of surgery and will describe some of the circumstances in which a higher incidence of complications can be expected to occur.