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Immediate complications of laryngectomy following high‐dose preoperative radiotherapy
Author(s) -
Robbins Jeffrey P.,
Marks Richard M.,
FitzHugh G. Slaughter,
Constable William C.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197207)30:1<91::aid-cncr2820300115>3.0.co;2-6
Subject(s) - medicine , laryngectomy , radiation therapy , surgery , larynx , basal cell , head and neck , carcinoma
During the most recently completed academic year (July 1969 to July 1970), 24 laryngectomies were performed for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Twenty‐two of these laryngectomies followed high‐dose preoperative radiotherapy. Of this latter group, 14 represented a planned course of preoperative radiotherapy (5,000 rads in 5 weeks) followed by laryngectomy after a waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks. The remaining eight cases represented the surgical salvage of radiation failures. No mortality or major complications were recorded. Five minor complications were noted; however, of this group, none required a second surgical procedure, and, in all cases, a well‐healed surgical field was obtained. With careful teletherapy and meticulous surgical technique, it is possible and feasible to perform low morbidity major head and neck surgery on heavily irradiated tissues.