[Long-term follow-up result of partial laryngectomy in senile patients with laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To study the long-term follow-up result of laryngectomy with reservation of laryngeal function in senile patients.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients who were above 65 years old and underwent partial laryngectomies from 1986 to 1990 were summarized. Among them, 14 cases underwent vocal cord resection, 31 vertical hemilaryngectomy, 15 horizontal supraglottic hemilaryngectomy, 2 horizontal glottic laryngectomy, 22 horizontovertical (3/4) laryngectomy, 5 subtotal laryngectomy, 10 total laryngectomy with cricopharyngeal anastomosis.

RESULTS

All patients had their phonation and respiration restored. Decannulation rate was 91.9%. No death occurred during the operation. No severe postoperative complications were found. 3.5-year survival rates were 76.7% and 75.5% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Senility is not a contraindication for laryngectomy with reservation of laryngeal function. The key points are that surgeons should master indications correctly and improve surgical skill to decrease postoperative complications.