Transoral laser microsurgery for untreated glottic carcinoma.

Abstract

To report the oncology and functional outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for untreated glottic carcinoma. A 2 center prospective case series analysis. Academic, tertiary referral centers. Seventy-six patients underwent TLM. Pathologic T stages were: T1, 45 (59%); T2, 21 (28%); T3, 5 (7%); and T4, 5 (7%). Five (7%) patients had neck dissections. Five (7%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Mean follow-up was 42 months. Respective T1 and T2 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates were: local control, 90% and 93%; loco-regional control, 90% and 93%; disease specific survival, 90% and 93%; and overall survival, 94% and 93%. The average hospital stay was 2 days. Two (3%) patients experienced major complications. The overall laryngeal preservation rate was 95% (72 of 76). TLM is a safe and effective treatment in select carcinoma of the glottic larynx. Low morbidity and mortality and short periods of hospitalization make TLM an attractive therapeutic option. TLM is an emerging strategy in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.