[Near-total laryngectomy. Experience, complications and acoustic analysis]. / Laringuectomía casi total. Experiencia, complicaciones y análisis de voz.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oncological efficiency, voice and complications of Pearson's near-total laryngectomy for advanced laryngeal cancers (T3, T4). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 23 cases of near-total laryngectomy (carried out in our Hospital in the last nine years) was undertaken. RESULTS: None of the cases developed laryngeal mucosal recurrences. The overall three and five years disease free survival were 91,3% and 86,9%. Mean phonation time was 51 days. A statistically significant results were observed in our voice analysis (words/minute, taking as a reference healthy people (Medivoz). The pharyngeal fistula was the most frequent complication (60,86%). CONCLUSIONS: The local control of cancer was similar to that expected with total laryngectomy. Near-total laryngectomy is a valid alternative for extended laryngeal and neighbouring cancers with an acceptable morbidity and success rate for voice preservation.