Supraglottic laryngectomy with or without one arytenoid in epiglottic carcinoma (40 cases report)

Objective: To investigate the indications of supraglottic laryngectomy. Supraglottic laryngectomy with or without one arytenoid is a functional laryngectomy suitable for treatment of epiglottis squamous carcinoma. This procedure consists of resection of the thyroid cartilage, epiglottis and the entire preepiglottic space. Methods: Between 1990 and 1996, we used supraglottic laryngectomy to treat 40 patients with supraglottic carcinoma. The data were collected by a review of patient records and follow-up. The cancers were stages T1 (17 cases), T2 (17 cases) and T4 (6 cases) according to the 1987 UICC on cancer staging criteria. Results: 12 ipsilateral and one bilateral functional neck dissection were operated simultaneously. Of which 7 patients had metastasis in lymph nodes. No patient died postoperatively. Only 8 (20%) had slight aspiration before the 20th day. All patients had decannulated. 29 cases received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A follow-up analysis showed survived rate of 74% at 3 years. Conclusion: We propose supraglottic laryngectomy for the surgical treatment of early supraglottic carcinomas, which could acquire almost normal laryngeal function.