Oncologic and functional outcomes of transoral CO2 laser cordectomy for early glottic cancer

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the oncological and functional outcomes of the patients treated with transoral CO2 laser cordectomy for early glottic cancer.

Patients and methods: Fifty-five consecutive patients who underwent CO2 laser cordectomy for early glottic cancer were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Overall survival, larynx preservation, and relapse free local control rates were 96%, 100%, and 91%, respectively. Five patients with local recurrences were salvaged with re-cordectomy and/or radiotherapy. In type I cordectomy, VHI-10 consistently improved during postoperative course and VHI-10 at postoperative 12months was significantly better than preoperative value (2.3 vs. 9.4, p=0.02). Perceptual grading, MPT, MFR and AC/DC also improved and were better than preoperative values. In type III cordectomy, shimmer at 12months after cordectomy was significantly better than preoperative value (14.7 vs. 9.3, p=0.007).

Conclusions: These results further support the rationale of CO2 cordectomy as initial and salvage surgery for early glottic cancer.

Keywords: Early glottic cancer; Transoral CO2 laser cordectomy.