Laryngeal structure following microcauterization

This paper supports and reaffirms the objectives of contemporary laryngology in the treatment of cancer of this organ. These objectives are, first and foremost, the eradication of the tumor, and second, the preservation of function. A relatively recent contribution to the “state of the art” has been the development of the field of microlaryngology. The introduction of the surgical microscope has provided the laryngologist with better means to judge the type, localization and extent of neoplastic lesions. Reports indicate that superficial limited carcinomas of the larynx with good vocal cord mobility can be successfully treated by vocal cord stripping and/or radiotherapy. This paper presents the serious challenge posed by these limited tumors when they recur after radiotherapy. In a selected number of these patients radical surgery has been prevented by treating these recurrent tumors with the microcautery. Some of these patients, so treated, have been free of disease for more than three years after their recurrent tumors were destroyed with the microcautery. During this time these patients have enjoyed adequate voices. Extensive studies that have been performed in dogs with the microcautery indicate that:a. An excellent recovery of the larynx is the rule, if microcauterization is carried out superficially. These initial experiments were performed in 10 dogs duplicating the type and extension of microcauterization; as this procedure is usually performed clinically in the treatment of patients. b. The anterior and posterior commissures of the larynx were found understandably vulnerable to exaggerated degrees of cauterization.