OBJECTIVETo discuss the long-term results of the subtotal laryngectomy with preservation of an arytenoids cartilage.

METHODSThe long-term results of the subtotal laryngectomy with preservation of an arytenoids cartilage were analysed in 82 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of larynx (stage III 73 cases, IV 9 cases; supraglottic type 71 cases, glottic 6, transglottic 5).

RESULTSThe functions of speech and deglutition were recovered in 82 patients, and the respirations were normal in 69 of 82 cases (84.2%). Pharyngeal fistula appeared in 2 cases, and the infection of incision wound in 6, but all of them were cured by conservative treatment. All of 82 cases were followed-up for more than 5 years, 5 cases were lost follow-up, so the follow-up rate was 93.3%. 26 patients died of various causes during 5 years after operation. 5 of 26 cases died of local recurrence of laryngeal carcinoma, neck metastasis in 4, others in 4 (cardiac insufficiency, myocardiac infarction, lungs metastasis, rectal carcinoma 1 case, respectively) unknown in 4, lost follow-up in 5.68 patients were followed-up for more than 10 years, 30 cases were dead (26 cases who died of various causes included during 5 years after operation; died of local recurrence in larynx was 1 case, unknown 2, lost follow-up 1, during 5 approximately 10 years after surgery). 5, 10 years survival rates were 68.3% (56/82) and 55.9% (38/68), respectively.

CONCLUSIONSSubtotal laryngectomy with preservation of an arytenoids cartilage is recommended for T3 and some elective T4 laryngeal carcinoma.