CO2-TOLMS for laryngeal cancer in the elderly, pushing the boundaries of partial laryngectomy.

INTRODUCTION

CO2 transoral laser microsurgery (CO2-TOLMS) has pushed the indications of partial surgery of the larynx regardless the age of the patient.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the complications and the oncologic and functional outcomes of CO2-TOLMS in patients older and younger than 70 years.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 1244 consecutive laryngeal carcinomas treated with CO2-TOLMS. Complications, length of hospitalization, functional and survival outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 64.2 ± 11.1 years (20-96). Four hundred and sixteen patients were older than 70 years and 104 older than 80 years. The main location was the glottis (912), followed by the supraglottis (332). There were no differences in pT classification between the age groups. No differences were observed in voice outcomes. A higher rate of signs of aspiration at the glottic location was observed for those older than 70 years (2.1 % vs 5 %, p = 0.027). The need for definitive gastrostomy in supraglottic tumours was higher in those older than 70 years (0 % vs 6.5 %, p: 0.001). In the glottis, no differences in tracheostomy or gastrostomy rates were observed. Five-year overall survival was lower in the older than 70 years. No differences in disease-specific survival were observed in early stages for both locations, but a lower survival was observed in stage III glottic cancer for the older than 70 years.

CONCLUSIONS

CO2-TOLMS is a valid treatment for laryngeal carcinomas in the elderly, with a reduced number of complications and good functional and oncologic outcomes.