[Total glossectomy with preservation of the larynx and immediate reconstruction. Apropos of 27 cases].

Total glossectomy with preservation of larynx was performed in 27 patients with lesions affecting the whole tongue and developing from the base, the tonsilloglottal recess, of the junction zone and of the posterior wall, or from the mobile tongue. Results in patients followed up for more than one year (27 cases) showed: 11 survivors only, with 12 deaths from local, regional or metastatic recurrence. Among the 11 survivors, 7 presented very satisfactory functional rehabilitation--they no longer required tracheotomies, were free from pain and fed themselves without problem with mixed types of food. Phonation could be understood and they were reasonably autonomous. When tumoral excision is possible in patients with extension not evident as palpable glands, this operation appears quite justified for patients who are psychologically motivated and very insistent on some therapy, the modalities and risks of which have been exposed.