Laser microsurgery for cancer of the larynx

Abstract

Since 1979 we have performed transoral laser microsurgery for the treatment of laryngeal cancer as an alternative to conventional surgery or radiotherapy. The therapeutic concept (principles of surgery on the primary tumour, surgical technique, limits, histologic verification of total resection) and the advantages of transoral laser microsurgery compared to standard therapy are described. The oncological results of 466 previously untreated patients, who had transoral laser microsurgery (+/− neck dissection, +/− radiotherapy) with curative intention (pTis-pT4, (p) N0–pN1–2 M0, UICC 1987) between 1979 and 1991 are presented and discussed.

Key Words:

• laryngeal carcinoma
• CO₂ laser microsurgery
• concept
• results