Freezability of Andalusian donkey (Equus asinus) spermatozoa: effect of extenders and permeating cryoprotectants.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two semen extenders and four permeating cryoprotectants on post-thaw sperm quality of Andalusian donkeys. First, 32 ejaculates were pooled, split and frozen in either Gent B or INRA 96 with egg yolk and glycerol. Second, 12 pooled semen samples were simultaneously frozen in Gent B (glycerol) or Gent A containing ethylene glycol (EG; 1 or 1.5%) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; 1.5 or 2%). Finally, nine pooled samples were simultaneously cryopreserved in Gent A containing 1% EG (as control), dimethylformamide (DMFA; 1 or 2.5%) or a combination of 1% EG and 1.5% DMFA. Gent B yielded a higher (P<0.01) post-thaw sperm motility than modified INRA96. EG 1% increased the sperm membrane integrity (P<0.001), whereas DMSO affected sperm motility and membrane integrity (P<0.001). DMFA 2.5% yielded higher (P<0.001) values for sperm motility and membrane integrity. We concluded that Gent B improves in vitro post-thaw sperm quality of donkey spermatozoa, but the replacement of glycerol with 1% EG or 2.5% DMFA increased sperm protection against cryodamage. The use of DMSO for freezing donkey semen was unsuccessful and a toxic effect is suspected. These extenders should be included in the pre-freeze test for each donkey.

DNA integrity of canine spermatozoa during chill storage assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion test using bright-field or fluorescence microscopy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of chill storage on canine sperm DNA fragmentation assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion test using bright-field microscopy with Wright solution (sDF-B) or fluorescence microscopy with propidium iodide (sDF-F). The relationship and agreement between the results obtained with both staining methods were analyzed. The values of DNA fragmentation indexes (sDF-F and sDF-B) were compared at each time of chill storage (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours). Additionally, the sperm DNA fragmentation rate (slope) was compared between the methods during chill storage. Good agreement and no significant differences between values obtained with both staining procedures were observed. Finally, the effect of chill storage for up to 96 hours was assessed on sperm motility parameters and DNA fragmentation indexes. Significant differences were found after 48 hours of chill storage, obtaining greater values of fragmented DNA. Progressive sperm motility was lower just after 96 hours of chill storage, and no effect was found in total sperm motility. In conclusion, the Sperm-Halomax kit, developed for canine semen and based on the sperm chromatin dispersion test, can be used accurately under bright-field or fluorescence microscopy to assess the sperm DNA integrity of canine semen during chill storage. The sperm DNA fragmentation index increased after 48 hours of chill storage, thereby detecting sperm damage earlier than other routine sperm parameters, such as sperm motility.

Differences in preservation of canine chilled semen using simple sperm washing, single-layer centrifugation and modified swim-up preparation techniques.

This study compared the efficacy of simple sperm washing (SW), single-layer centrifugation (SLC) and modified swim-up (SU) techniques in the preparation of dog spermatozoa for cooling. Eighteen ejaculates, collected from three dogs (six per dog), were pooled (three ejaculates per pool) and divided into three aliquots: (1) one aliquot was washed and cooled at 5°C for 72h, considered as control (SW-control), (2) the second aliquot was selected by SLC through Androcoll-C and subsequently cooled in the same way as the SW-control samples (SLC-AC) and (3) the last aliquot was selected by a modified SU method with Androcoll-C and cooled as mentioned above (SU-AC). Assessment of sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were performed on aliquots of fresh semen and chilled-rewarmed samples. Sperm membrane integrity and progressive motility were significantly (PPP>0.05). The recovery rates were not significantly (P>0.05) different between SW-control, SLC-AC and SU-AC samples. Our results confirm that SU-AC may be a successful method for the preparation of dog spermatozoa for cooling.

Effect of single-layer centrifugation or washing on frozen-thawed donkey semen quality: Do they have the same effect regardless of the quality of the sample?

The aims of this study were to determine the sperm quality of frozen-thawed donkey sperm samples after single-layer centrifugation (SLC) using Androcoll-E in comparison to sperm washing or no centrifugation and to determine if the effect on the sperm quality after SLC or sperm washing depends on the quality of the sample. Frozen-thawed sperm samples from Andalusian donkeys were divided into three aliquots, and they were processed using three different techniques after thawing: uncentrifuged diluted control (UDC), sperm washing (SW), and SLC. Afterward, sperm quality index was estimated by integrating all parameters (total and progressive sperm motility, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation) in a single value. The relationship between the sperm quality of thawed UDC samples and the effect on sperm parameters in SW and SLC-selected samples was assessed. Sperm quality index was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in SLC (0.8 ± 0.0) samples than that in UDC (0.6 ± 0.0) and SW (0.6 ± 0.0) samples, regardless of the sperm quality index after thawing of the sperm sample. In conclusion, SLC of frozen-thawed donkey spermatozoa using Androcoll-E-Small can be a suitable procedure for selecting frozen-thawed donkey sperm with better quality, in particular in those samples where an improvement in motility is needed.

Should single layer centrifugation of dog semen be done before or after the semen is cooled?

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sperm selection by single layer centrifugation (SLC) on canine sperm quality when SLC was performed before or after the cooling process, or when double SLC (before and after cooling) was performed. Twenty ejaculates from four dogs were divided into four aliquots as follows: unselected: no SLC was performed; SLC prior to cooling (SLC-PC): sperm selection was carried out before cooling; SLC after cooling (SLC-AC): sperm selection was performed after cooling; and double SLC: sperm selection was carried out before and after cooling. Sperm motility (by computer-assisted semen analysis), morphology (Diff-Quick staining), sperm membrane integrity (Vital-Test kit) and acrosome integrity (double fluorescent stain) were assessed in re-warmed semen samples. Four sperm subpopulations (sP) were detected using a pattern analysis technique (sP1: highly active, non-progressive; sP2: low velocity, highly progressive; sP3: less vigorous, poorly progressive; sP4: highly progressive motility). A higher proportion of sperm were classified as sP4 in SLC-AC samples. Most of the sperm parameters assessed showed higher values in the SLC-AC group. We conclude that SLC-AC is the best protocol to improve sperm quality in chilled canine semen in comparison to the other procedures tested.

Colloid single-layer centrifugation improves post-thaw donkey (Equus asinus) sperm quality and is related to ejaculate freezability.

The aim of this study was to determine whether colloid single-layer centrifugation (SLC) improves post-thaw donkey sperm quality and if this potential enhancement is related to ejaculate freezability. Semen from Andalusian donkeys was frozen following a standard protocol. SLC was performed on frozen-thawed semen and post-thaw sperm parameters were compared with uncentrifuged samples. Sperm quality was estimated by integrating in a single value sperm motility (assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis), morphology and viability (evaluated under brightfield or fluorescence microscopy). Sperm freezability was calculated as the relationship between sperm quality obtained before freezing and after thawing. Ejaculates were classified into low, medium and high freezability groups using the 25th and 75th percentiles as thresholds. All sperm parameters were significantly (P<0.01) higher in SLC-selected samples in comparison to uncentrifuged frozen-thawed semen and several kinematic parameters were even higher than those obtained in fresh semen. The increment of sperm parameters after SLC selection was correlated with ejaculate freezability, obtaining the highest values after SLC in semen samples with low freezability. We concluded that, based on the sperm-quality parameters evaluated, SLC can be a suitable procedure to improve post-thaw sperm quality of cryopreserved donkey semen, in particular for those ejaculates with low freezability.

Effect of extender and amino acid supplementation on sperm quality of cooled-preserved Andalusian donkey (Equus asinus) spermatozoa.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercially available liquid stallion semen extenders for the preservation of Andalusian donkey semen at 5°C for up to 72h, and to evaluate the effect of amino acid addition on sperm quality of cooled donkey semen. In addition, this study investigated the effect of seasons on semen characteristics of Andalusian jackasses. Throughout a year, 50 ejaculates were collected from ten adult donkeys and a complete semen evaluation was performed immediately after collection. In Experiment 1, semen samples (n=32) were pooled, divided into two aliquots, and cooled in either Gent(®) A or INRA 96(®). In Experiment 2, pooled semen samples (n=9) were cooled in Gent A(®) supplemented with 0 (as control), 20, 40, or 60mM for each glutamine, proline, or taurine. Fresh semen and chilled samples were assessed for sperm motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity. Sperm motility variables were greater (P<0.05) in Gent(®) A than in INRA 96(®). The presence of glutamine, proline, or taurine in Gent(®) A improved (P<0.001) the motility of Andalusian donkey spermatozoa. Differences (P<0.05) in some sperm variables were observed among seasons. In conclusion, Gent(®) A maintained sperm motility characteristics after 72h of cold storage to a greater extent than INRA 96(®). Moreover, motility was greater when Gent(®) A supplemented at different concentrations of amino acids than Gent(®) A with no supplementation. An effect of seasons on the semen quality of the Andalusian donkey was demonstrated.

Effect of single layer centrifugation using Androcoll-E-Large on the sperm quality parameters of cooled-stored donkey semen doses.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of single layer centrifugation (SLC) using Androcoll-E-Large on donkey sperm quality parameters after 24 h of cool-storage. Ejaculates were collected from Andalusian donkeys and then cooled at 5°C. SLC was carried out after 24 h of cool-storage using Androcoll-E-Large. In the first experiment, all sperm parameters assessed (total and progressive sperm motility, viability, sperm morphology and sperm kinematics VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, STR, WOB, ALH and BCF) were statistically compared between semen samples processed or not with Androcoll-E-Large. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found between SLC-selected and unselected semen samples for all parameters assessed, obtaining better results after SLC. In the second experiment, semen samples were classified in two groups according to their sperm progressive motility (PM) before SLC. Then, the increments obtained in semen quality parameters after SLC were compared between groups. No significant differences were found between groups, indicating that SLC improved the sperm quality parameters of entire set of semen samples processed with independence to their original PM. In conclusion, SLC with Androcoll-E-Large can be used in donkeys, increasing the sperm quality of cooled-stored donkey semen doses after 24 h of cool storage.

Relationship between conventional semen characteristics, sperm motility patterns and fertility of Andalusian donkeys (Equus asinus).

Sperm quality has an important role in determining fertility. The aims of this study were to compare the conventional sperm parameters, plus the characteristics of the motility patterns of the different sperm subpopulations, of donkey donors with different fertility level, and to determine their relationships to fertility. Thirty ejaculates from 6 Andalusian donkeys were assessed for gel-free volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility and morphology. The fertility of donkeys was classified on the basis of pregnancy rates per cycle, where donkeys with a per cycle pregnancy rate ≥60% were considered to be "fertile" (n=3) and those with a per cycle pregnancy rate <40% were categorized to be "sub-fertile" (n=3). Significant differences (P<0.001) between the "fertile" and the "sub-fertile" group were found for total and progressive motility, and for straight line velocity. Sperm variables associated (P<0.05) with an increase in percent pregnant per cycle included total motility (r=0.37), progressive motility (r=0.53), curvilinear velocity (r=0.44), straightness (r=0.39), beat cross frequency (r=0.44), and gel-free volume (r=0.53). Four sperm subpopulations (sP) were identified in fresh semen: sP1 (slow and non-progressive spermatozoa, 20%), sP2 (moderately slow but progressive spermatozoa, 71.2%), sP3 (highly active but non-progressive spermatozoa, 2.9%), and sP4 (highly active and progressive spermatozoa, 5.9%). The lowest percentage (3.1%; P<0.001) of sP4 spermatozoa was observed in the "sub-fertile" group. Three of the sperm subpopulations were related (P<0.05) to fertility (sP2, r=0.54; sP3, r=0.45; sP4, r=0.56). In conclusion, we were able to relate the fertility of donkeys with in vitro measures of sperm motility using computer-assisted sperm analysis techniques.

Effect of cryopreservation and single layer centrifugation on canine sperm DNA fragmentation assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion test.

The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the effect of freezing and thawing on dog sperm DNA fragmentation index (sDFI) using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt); and 2) to determine whether or not the sperm selection by single layer centrifugation (SLC) using Androcoll-C improves sperm DNA longevity in SLC-selected frozen-thawed dog semen samples. Semen samples were collected from 4 dogs using digital manipulation. After collection, ejaculates were pooled and cryopreserved following a standard protocol. Sperm motility and morphology were assessed before freezing and after thawing as a control for the cryopreservation method used. In experiment 1, sDFI was analyzed immediately before freezing and after thawing (baseline values), showing no significant differences between fresh and frozen-thawed semen samples. In experiment 2, frozen-thawed semen samples were processed or not by SLC using Androcoll-C and longevity of DNA were assessed in terms of sDFI after 24h of in vitro incubation at physiological temperature (38°C). The results showed low values of sDFI in SLC-selected semen in comparison to unselected samples. In conclusion, no effect of cryopreservation was observed on baseline values of dog sperm DNA fragmentation. Additionally, SLC-selection using Androcoll-C improved longevity of frozen-thawed sperm DNA assessed by the SCDt.

Use of single-layer centrifugation with Androcoll-C to enhance sperm quality in frozen-thawed dog semen.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether single-layer centrifugation (SLC) with Androcoll-C could select good quality spermatozoa, including those with specific motility patterns, from doses of frozen dog semen. Semen from five dogs was collected and cryopreserved following a standard protocol. After thawing, the semen samples were divided in two aliquots, one of which was used as a control and the other one processed by SLC. Assessment of sperm motility (assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis), morphology (Diff-Quick staining), viability (dual staining with propidium iodine/acridine orange), and acrosome integrity (dual staining with propidium iodine/isothiocyanate-labeled peanut [Arachis hypogaea] agglutinin) were performed on aliquots of fresh semen, frozen-thawed control samples, and frozen-thawed SLC-treated preparations. A multivariate clustering procedure separated 57,577 motile spermatozoa into three subpopulations (sP): sP1 consisted of poorly active and nonprogressive spermatozoa (48.8%), sP2 consisted of moderately slow but progressive spermatozoa (13.3%), and sP3 consisted of highly active and/or progressive spermatozoa (37.8%). SLC with Androcoll-C yielded sperm suspensions with improved motility, viability, and acrosome integrity (P < 0.01). The frozen-thawed SLC-treated samples were enriched in sP3, representing 38.5% of the sperm population. Likewise, sP2 was more frequently observed after SLC, but not significantly so. From these results, we concluded that for dog semen samples selected by SLC with Androcoll-C after thawing, the sperm quality parameters, including motility patterns, are better than in frozen-thawed control samples.

Single-layer centrifugation through PureSperm® 80 selects improved quality spermatozoa from frozen-thawed dog semen.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether single-layer centrifugation (SLC) with PureSperm® 80 could select good quality spermatozoa, including those with specific motility patterns, from doses of frozen dog semen. Semen from 5 dogs was collected and cryopreserved following a standard protocol. After thawing, semen samples were divided into two aliquots: one of them was used as control and the other one processed by SLC. Assessment of sperm motility (assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis), morphology (Diff-Quick staining) and viability (triple fluorescent stain of propidium iodine/isothiocyanate-labeled peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin/Rhodamine 123), were performed on aliquots of fresh semen, frozen-thawed control and frozen-thawed SLC treated samples. A multivariate clustering procedure separated 26,051 motile spermatozoa into three subpopulations (sP): sP1 consisting of highly active but non-progressive spermatozoa (40.3%), sP2 consisting of spermatozoa with high velocity and progressive motility (30.0%), and sP3 consisting of poorly active and non-progressive spermatozoa (29.7%). SLC with PureSperm® 80 yielded sperm suspensions with improved motility, morphology, viability and acrosome integrity (P<0.001). The frozen-thawed SLC treated samples were enriched in sP2, reaching a proportion of 44.1% of the present spermatozoa. From these results, we concluded that SLC with PureSperm® 80 may be an alternative and successful method for improving the quality of frozen-thawed dog spermatozoa. Moreover, sP2 (high-speed and progressive spermatozoa) was more frequently observed after SLC. Finally, this study also demonstrated that the general motile sperm structure present in dogs remained constant despite the effect caused by either cryopreservation or separation by SLC through PureSperm® 80.

Sperm motility patterns in Andalusian donkey (Equus asinus) semen: effects of body weight, age, and semen quality.

The aims of this study were to (1) identify sperm subpopulations with specific motion characteristics in fresh Andalusian donkey ejaculates; (2) evaluate the effects of individual donkey and ejaculates within the same donkey on the distribution of the subpopulations found; and (3) explore the relationship between the age and the body weight of donkey donors, the sperm quality parameters, and the sperm subpopulations structure. Sixty ejaculates from 12 Andalusian donkeys (five ejaculates per donkey), ranging in age from 4 to 15 years, were collected. Immediately after collection, sperm characteristics (volume, sperm concentration, objective sperm motility, and sperm morphology) were assessed. Donkeys were evaluated for body weight. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations were established between the body weight of the donkeys and the pH (r = -0.52), sperm motility (percentage of motile spermatozoa: r = -0.31; percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa: r = -0.34), and total sperm abnormalities (r = 0.38). The correlations of the age with the measures of semen quality were low and not significant (P > 0.05). A multivariate clustering procedure separated 65,342 motile spermatozoa into four subpopulations: subpopulation 1, consisting of slow and nonprogressive spermatozoa (15.4%), subpopulation 2, consisting of moderately slow but progressive spermatozoa (35.9%), subpopulation 3, consisting of highly active but nonprogressive spermatozoa (18.5%), and subpopulation 4, consisting of highly active and progressive spermatozoa (30.2%). The distribution of these subpopulations varied significantly (P < 0.05) according to several parameters such as the individual donkey, the ejaculate of the same donkey, the total motility, and the overall sperm concentration. Our results show the existence of four well-defined motile sperm subpopulations in Andalusian donkey ejaculates, and suggest a high heterogeneity in the ejaculate structure in donkey. The relationship between the distribution of the sperm subpopulations and individual donkey, total motility, and sperm concentration shows that the spermatozoa of each have different motility patterns. However, the proportions of sperm subpopulations in the ejaculates did not vary with age and body weight. Finally, the study of discrete subpopulations of motile spermatozoa could lead to a substantial increase in information acquired during donkey semen analysis.

Identification of sperm subpopulations in canine ejaculates: effects of cold storage and egg yolk concentration.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cold storage and egg yolk concentration on the distribution of spermatozoa within the different subpopulations. Twenty ejaculates from 4 dogs were collected, diluted in either TRIS buffer containing 20% (TEY20) or 10% centrifuged egg yolk (TEY10) and cooled following a conventional protocol. The kinematic parameters of individual spermatozoa were evaluated in fresh ejaculates and after 24 and 72 h of preservation at 5°C. A multivariate clustering procedure separated 54,261 motile spermatozoa into four subpopulations: Subpopulation 1 consisting of poorly active and non-progressive spermatozoa (19.80%), Subpopulation 2 consisting of slow and low-linear spermatozoa (25.21%), Subpopulation 3 consisting of high speed and progressive spermatozoa (23.88%), and Subpopulation 4 consisting of highly active but non-progressive spermatozoa (31.11%). Although, cold storage had a significant (P<0.05) effect on both the frequency distribution of spermatozoa within subpopulations and the motion characteristics of each subpopulation, the sperm subpopulation structure was perfectly maintained after cold storage. Subpopulations 1 and 2 significantly (P<0.001) decreased during cold storage (Subpopulation 1: 26.6, 16.9 and 18.4%; and Subpopulation 2: 33.6, 21.3 and 24.0%, respectively, for fresh, 24 and 72 h post-cooled), whereas Subpopulations 3 and 4 significantly (P<0.05) increased (Subpopulation 3: 16.7, 27.6 and 24.3%, and Subpopulation 4: 23.1, 34.1 and 33.4%, respectively, for fresh, 24 and 72 h post-cooled). Regarding the relative percentage of spermatozoa within each extender, Subpopulation 3 was more frequently observed in TEY20 after both 24 and 72 h of cold storage. Significant correlations (P<0.05) were found between the proportions of spermatozoa assigned to Subpopulation 3 in the fresh ejaculates and those in stored samples after 24 h (r=0.48498). In conclusion, cold storage significantly modified both the specific parameters and the distribution of spermatozoa within subpopulations. These changes did not affect the general motile sperm structure present in dog, which is conserved during cold storage. The analysis of the changes observed in structures of subpopulations also suggests that the TEY20 provide more effective preservation of dog semen during cold storage.

[Spontaneous cervical emphysema and pneumomediastinum with voice disorders]. / Neumomediastino y enfisema cervical espontáneos con alteración en la voz.

Spontaneous cervical emphysema and pneumomediastinum, occurring in the absence of previous disorders or provocating factors, is very rare. The predominant symptoms are retroesternal pain, dyspnea, dysphagia and neck pain. The diagnosis is established radiologically. The evolution is generally good and conservative therapy leads to recovery in most patients. We present an unusual case of pneumomediastinum, cervical and retropharyngeal emphysema that spread to cavum; the suspected symptom was voice alteration as reported by the parents.

[Intra-tympanic gentamicin in the treatment of Ménière's disease: preliminary results ]. / Gentamicina intratimpánica en tratamiento de la enfermedad de Ménière: resultados preliminares.

In the majority of patients suffering of Ménière's disease, medical treatment is sufficient to control symptoms, albeit, in a small number of them, the high intensity and frequency of vertigo spells makes necessary to adopt more aggressive measures, like intratympanic or general aminoglycoside administration, as well as surgical procedures. We present a prospective and longitudinal descriptive study with the results of intratympanic gentamycin in 24 patients labeled of Ménière's disease in the Otolaryngology Department of "Miguel Servet Hospital" in the last two years, after a follow-up period of more than a year, during which controlled medical treatment had been proved unsuccesfull. We go over the efficacy in terms of frequency of vertigo crisis, audition average, logoaudiometry and functional level. We obtained good results over vertigo control (types A and B of the objective criteria based in the improvement index after treatment) in 16 out of the 24 patients (66.6%), (13 were type A with total absence of crisis and 3 were type B) and an acceptable result (type C) in three of them (12.5.%). In the other five patients (20.83%) results were disappointing (types D and E) compelling to apply surgical treatment. We have tried to evaluate intratympanic gentamycin as an alternative treatment to more aggressive technics and we consider it to be a good option, with a low risk and scarce complications in the no pharmacologically controlled Ménière's disease patients.

[Stapedectomy: long term results]. / Resultados a largo plazo de las estapedectomías.

Stapedectomy, with its most innovatory variations, constitutes the treatment of choice for otoesclerosis. Short term results are spectacular, getting GAP closures of less than 5 dB approximatelly in 94% patients, variations depending on the authors. Long term follow up check results show a gradual auditory deterioration. The aim of this study is to audiometric evolution of patients operated of stapedectomy 7 to 10 years ago in our department and to correlate the results with those obtained by other authors, in an attempt to unify conclusions.

[Histologic changes in soft palate in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]. / Cambios histológicos en el paladar blando en pacientes con apnea obstructiva del sueño.

In patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) the reiterate injuries against the soft structures of the pharyngeal wall causes macro- and microscopic damages, which differ basically from the alterations verified in subjects without OSAS. We present a comparative histological study of 45 patients with OSAS operated on uvulopalatopharyngoplasties to face up 10 palates coming from normal post-mortem human among which a comparative anatomopathological study of 8 parameters was realized and the differences between the two groups signaled.

[Tonsillectomy in adults. Our experience]. / Amigdalectomía en adultos. Nuestra experiencia.

Tosillectomy or palatine tonsils removal was by far as the very middle of the twenty century the commonest surgery in childhood, but owing to the abstinence behavior in past decades this operation has dropped considerabily and in consequence numerous grown up presents frequently tonsillar pathology requiring its removal in middle adult life.

[Surgery of cancer of the larynx. Analysis of the results of our cases]. / Cirugía del cáncer de laringe. Análisis de resultados de nuestra casuística.

After 20 years of existence of this Department we decided to carry out a review of the characteristics of our series and also of the results of treatment, according to the protocol elaborated and followed in agreement with the Tumour Committee if the Hospital. 631 medical histories of patients diagnosed and operated for cancer of larynx between 1974 and 1990 were reviewed. 83 of which (13.154%) disappeared during the 5 year follow-up period. Epidemiological, clinical, location, extension and treatment fdata were considered as well as the survival results and a single descriptive statistical analysis performed. The mean age of our study was 59.02 years, showing a clear relation to exposure to tobacco (91.44% were smokers and 63.39% of more than 20 cigarettes per day). The predominant location of the growth was supraglottic (64.05% of cases) followed by glottic in 33.76%. The most frequently used surgical technique was the total laryngectomy and total and extended to either the pharynx or tongue basis in 76.28%, followed by supraglottic laryngectomy in 13m5%. The stages were rather advanced with predominance of stage III /40.60%) and stage IV (21.17%). Global survive rate of our series accounted for 68.61% while the adjusted survival rate was 71.4%.