Partial laryngectomy as salvage surgery after radiotherapy: Oncological and functional outcomes and impact on quality of life. A retrospective study of 20 cases

SummaryThe gold standard for the management of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a previously irradiated patient is “salvage” total laryngectomy, but surgical management by partial laryngectomy can sometimes be proposed in selected patients.ObjectivesThis study was designed to review the functional and oncological outcomes of patients treated by open partial laryngectomy for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma after failure of radiotherapy or involving previously irradiated tissues and to define prognostic criteria for the selection of patients eligible for this treatment strategy.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, 20 patients underwent partial laryngectomy between 2000 and 2011 for recurrence or second primary stage I or II laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in an irradiated territory (11 vertical partial laryngectomies; 9 horizontal partial laryngectomies).ResultsThe 3-year overall survival rate in patients with negative resection margins was 66%, with higher survival rates for tumours confined to the glottis, and the 2-year local control rate was 67%. Positive resection margins requiring total laryngectomy were observed in 20% of cases. The 3-year overall survival rate was 56% in these patients. Exclusive oral feeding was restored in 75% of patients after an average of 32 days. The tracheotomy tube was removed after an average of 18 days in 90% of patients. The disease-free functional larynx preservation rate was 45%.ConclusionsSalvage partial laryngectomy in irradiated tissues is an alternative treatment option to total laryngectomy in selected patients.