Objectives/hypothesis: This study aims to assess the oncologic results of open and transoral surgical techniques in T1a and T1b category glottic carcinomas.
Study design: Retrospective clinical study.
Methods: The files of 438 T1a and T1b glottic cancer cases managed with primary surgery were reviewed. Transoral laser surgery and open surgical procedures used to treat these cases, including cordectomy, vertical partial laryngectomy, and frontolateral partial laryngectomy, were compared for disease specific survival and local control rates. In addition, all techniques were compared for incidence of major complications and related tracheotomies.
Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between laser surgery and open procedures with regard to disease specific survival and local control for both T1a and T1b cases. Laser surgery showed a significantly lower incidence of complications and tracheotomies.
Conclusions: Laser surgery appears to be a very effective management modality for T1 glottic cancer with comparable results to open procedures and a lower incidence of complications. A transcervical approach should be reserved only for selected cases where individual anatomic factors do not permit complete tumor exposure during diagnostic microlaryngoscopy.