gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: This report is a 25 years experiences with transoral laser microsurgery for vocal cord cancers and its results as single therapy.

Methods: In a period of 25 years (1987–2012) a total number of 375 laser chordectomies or extended laser excision were performed in 324 patients. Of them 289 patients treated between 1987-2007 have more than 5-years follow-up (Stage: Tis 21, T1a 179, T1b 57, T2-3 32).

Results: Tumor-free survival after a single resection was 87,5% (253/289)These patients did not require additional therapy. Incomplete resection (12) and local recurrances (24) required laser re-resections (14), partial laryngectomy (5) and radiotherapy (6)resulted in end results of 96,4% voice preservation, only 11 total laryngectomies (3,8%) had been necessary. The CO₂ laser related 5-years survival rate was 92,2%.

Conclusions: On the basis of our 25 years of experience and long-term results we conclude that CO₂ laser excision laryngo-microsurgically alone provide 5-year survival rates and larynx preservation in 92–93%. We would like to emphasize that endoscopic minimally invasive laser chordectomy should be the first choice of treatment for early vocal cord cancers.

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