OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility and the related surgical techniques of laryngeal function preservation in surgical treatment of pyriform sinus cancer.

METHODSTwo hundred and thirty cases (stage I, 6; stage II, 10; stage III, 91; stage IV, 123) with pyriform sinus cancer were treated surgically from 1978 to 1996 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. The methods of removing tumor and repairing surgical defects were depended on the extension of lesions. The laryngeal and pharyngeal functions were rebuilt by normal tissue preserved with lesions entirely removed. One hundred and fifty-eight cases were surgically treated with laryngeal functions preserved and 72 cases total laryngectomy. The most of the cases received postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTSThe overall 3 and 5 year survival rates were 67.4% (155/230) and 48.3% (111/230) respectively. For stage I, the survival rate was 5/6; stage 11, 70.0% (7/10); stage III, 57.1% (52/91) and stage IV, 38.2% (47/123); the 3 and 5 year survival rates in functionally preserved group were 67.7% (107/158) and 50.0% (79/158), while in none functional group were 66.7% (48/72) and 43.1% (31/72), respectively. 75.3% (119/158) patients have laryngeal functions (voice,respiration and deglutition) completely restored and 24.7% (39/ 158) partially restored(voice and deglutition).

CONCLUSIONSThe preservative surgery is feasible for the selected pyriform sinus cancer cases. Choosing and following optimum surgical methods is a prerequisite for improving the quality of life of the cases.