Our Summary

This research paper examines the benefits of a procedure called salvage partial laryngectomy (SPL) for patients suffering from early glottic cancer who have not responded to radiotherapy. Glottic cancer affects the vocal cords, and a laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx (voice box). The aim of the study was to figure out whether SPL could help these patients avoid a total laryngectomy, a last resort treatment.

To do this, the researchers looked at 15 previously published studies that involved 323 patients who had undergone SPL. They found that over 81% of these patients did not end up needing a total laryngectomy. Almost all of the patients who did need a total laryngectomy afterwards, needed it due to the cancer coming back, and a very small percentage needed it due to a poorly functioning larynx.

The study also compared different types of SPL procedures - open and trans-oral. They found that both types of procedures had high success rates, with 90.4% of open SPL patients and 78.6% of trans-oral SPL patients avoiding a total laryngectomy.

In conclusion, the study suggests that salvage partial laryngectomy is a very effective treatment for patients with early glottic cancer who haven’t responded to radiotherapy. It can greatly increase the chances of these patients avoiding a total laryngectomy.

FAQs

  1. What is salvage partial laryngectomy and who is it for?
  2. What were the success rates of open and trans-oral SPL procedures in preventing a total laryngectomy?
  3. What are the findings of the study regarding the effectiveness of SPL in treating patients with early glottic cancer who have not responded to radiotherapy?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing laryngectomy to follow up closely with their healthcare team to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence and ensure the continued health of their larynx. They may also recommend speech therapy to help the patient learn how to communicate effectively without their vocal cords. Additionally, the doctor may suggest lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet to reduce the risk of complications and promote overall well-being after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laryngectomy include those with early stage glottic cancer who have not responded to radiotherapy. These patients may benefit from salvage partial laryngectomy as a way to avoid a total laryngectomy as a last resort treatment option. Additionally, patients who have a poorly functioning larynx or are at risk of cancer recurrence may also be recommended for laryngectomy. The study mentioned above suggests that salvage partial laryngectomy can be a very effective treatment for these types of patients.

Timeline

Before laryngectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with early glottic cancer
  • Patient undergoes radiotherapy treatment
  • If the cancer does not respond to radiotherapy, patient may be recommended for salvage partial laryngectomy

After laryngectomy:

  • Patient undergoes salvage partial laryngectomy procedure
  • Patient has a high chance of avoiding total laryngectomy
  • Follow-up monitoring is necessary to ensure cancer does not return
  • Patient may need further treatment if cancer recurs or if larynx does not function properly
  • Patient may need speech therapy and counseling to adjust to changes in speech and communication post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laryngectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a laryngectomy procedure?
  2. How will my ability to speak, swallow, and breathe be affected after a laryngectomy?
  3. What is the recovery process like after a laryngectomy, and how long will it take?
  4. Will I need any additional therapies or treatments after the laryngectomy?
  5. What are the long-term effects of a laryngectomy, and how will it impact my quality of life?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available for my condition?
  7. How experienced is the healthcare team in performing laryngectomy procedures?
  8. What is the success rate of laryngectomy procedures for patients with my specific condition?
  9. How will my communication abilities be affected, and are there resources available to help me with speech therapy or communication devices?
  10. What follow-up care and monitoring will be necessary after the laryngectomy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Shapira U, Warshavsky A, Muhanna N, Oestreicher-Kedem Y, Nachalon Y, Ungar OJ, Safadi A, Carmel Neiderman NN, Horowitz G. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Jun;279(6):3021-3027. doi: 10.1007/s00405-022-07257-2. Epub 2022 Jan 17. PMID: 35039895