Comparison of Vocal Function before and after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy

Wang, Soo Geun; Baek, Moo Jin

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL), one of the conservative techniques for supraglottic laryngectomy, can be used to control advanced laryngeal cancers extending to paraglottic space, thyroid cartilage with or without epiglottis and preepiglottic space. This procedure can preserve physiologically phonatory and swallowing function, and achieve similar local control rates as total laryngectomy but voice quality is somewhat less efficient than that of normal speakers. Authors evaluated prospectively speech and voice parameters for efficiency of phonation in patients treated with SCPL for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma after primary radiotherapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Authors compared 5 male patients who underwent SCPL with 8 normal subjects of the same age.
RESULTS
No significant difference of phonatory function was found between subjects before or 3 to 6 months after the operation. However, MPT, C/B, jitter and shimmer were significantly different between the normal and post-operative 3 months group (p<0.05) and jitter and shimmer between the normal and post-operative 6 months group (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
All patients complained of breathy voice but could not breathe through the oro-nasal airway and swallow without aspiration within 2 to 3 months after SCPL. In conclusion, SCPL is a recommendable procedure in selected cases of laryngeal cancer which can not be controlled by vertical partial laryngectomy or supraglottic laryngectomy.