OBJECTIVETo compare the results of extended vertical partial laryngectomy (similar to modified supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy) and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma.

METHODSRetrospectively analyzed on the results and prognosis in patients underwent extended vertical partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy between 1998 and 2005. The operation was similar to extended vertical partial laryngectomy. The healthy vocal cord and ventricular band as well as about 1/3 to 2/3 laminas of thyroid cartilage were removed. The healthy cricoarytenoid joint was reserved. The vocal cord, ventricular band, fixed or limitation of motion arytenoid cartilage and 2/3 laminas of thyroid cartilage in ill side were removed. The posteroinferior border of laminas of thyroid cartilage in both sides were reserved. The cricoid was lifted and fixed with hyoid epiglottis directly. Extended vertical partial laryngectomy group consisted of 37 patients with glottic carcinoma (stage T2 16 cases, stage T3 21 cases) and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group consisted of 34 patients with glottic carcinoma (stage T2 12 cases, stage T3 21 cases, stage T4 1 case).

RESULTSKaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate the survival rates. The three-year cumulative survival rate was 91.7% in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and 87.5% in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The five-year cumulative survival rate was 80.6% in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and 81.3% in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. There was also no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The decannulation rate was 100% (37/37) in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and 94.1% (32/34) in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. The decannulation time was (14.0 + or - 2.3) days in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and (19.0 + or - 4.6) days in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. The incidence of aspiration was 2.7% (1/37) in modified group and 23.5 (8/34) in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively evaluated at 8th weeks post-operatively. The evaluation of deglutition disorder was analyzed by Ridit analysis in both groups and the results showed that there was significant difference between the two groups (U = 7.341, P < 0.001). The symptom of aspiration in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group was significant less than in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough the survival rate was not different between the two groups. The preservation of laryngeal function in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group was significant better than in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group and extended vertical partial laryngectomy.