Surgery for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy: partial laryngectomy or total laryngectomy for a better quality of life?

Abstract

To investigate the quality of life after partial laryngectomy versus total laryngectomy for recurrent laryngeal carcinomas after radiotherapy. A retrospective study performed at least one year after treatment. This study was performed in a university hospital. Twenty-three patients (N = 12 partial laryngectomy, N = 11 total laryngectomy) with recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy were included in the study. Three different questionnaires, 1) EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 Dutch version 3.0, 2) EORTC-H & N 35, and 3) the Voice Handicap Index, were sent to all patients. The only major difference in quality of life of patients after partial laryngectomy versus total laryngectomy was found to be smell and taste related. No other differences were found. We did not find much difference in quality of life after treatment with a partial laryngectomy or a total laryngectomy in patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy.