Primary total laryngectomy and pharyngolaryngectomy in T4 pharyngolaryngeal cancers: Oncologic and functional results and prognostic factors

Abstract Objectives The aims of this study were to assess oncologic and functional outcome in primary total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy (TL/TL/TPL) for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer with extra-laryngeal extension (T4) and to determine the predictive factors of these results. Material and methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the computerized medical records of all patients undergoing primary TL/TPL for T4 larynx or hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma between 2000 and 2014 at our institution. Predictive factors of oncologic and functional outcome were investigated on univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Sixty-three patients (58 men, 5 women; mean age, 68.8 ± 9.7 years) were included. Overall and disease-specific survivals were 69% and 80% at 3 years, and 56% and 69% at 5 years, respectively. On multivariate analysis, gender (female, P < 0.001), ASA score (ASA ≥ 3; P = 0.006) and vascular embolism ( P = 0.006) had significant pejorative impact on overall survival. Six months after end of treatment, 90% of patients had recovered independent oral feeding and 83% of those with tracheoesophageal voice prostheses had recovered an intelligible voice. Conclusion Primary TL/TPL remains the gold standard treatment for T4 larynx or hypopharynx cancer. It provides satisfactory oncologic and functional outcomes.