Laryngeal function preservation following supracricoid partial laryngectomy

Background Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is a surgical technique that preserves laryngeal function. Methods A retrospective review of clinical records identified 41 patients that underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy at our institution since 1998. In all, 26 patients with a minimum follow‐up of 3 months were alive with a functioning larynx. All of them accepted participation in a functional evaluation. Results Ninety‐seven percent of the patients were decannulated, and every patient achieved oral intake. The 5‐year actuarial laryngoesophageal dysfunction‐free survival was 66.5%. Median Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score was 26, with 75% of patients scoring <40. The Median MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) score was 92, with 75% of patients scoring ≥80. Median maximum phonation time (MPT) was 12 seconds. Median maximum intensity (Imax) was 99 dB. Conclusions Supracricoid partial laryngectomy allows laryngeal function preservation at a rate similar to that of chemoradiation protocols. When a careful preoperative patient selection is performed, long‐term functional results are outstanding. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012