Salvage laryngectomy after primary radio- and radiochemotherapy: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Recurrent and residual laryngeal cancer after organ-preserving radio- or radiochemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis. Salvage surgery is the most important therapeutic option in these cases. Objective: The study assessed rates of recurrence and residual tumor as well as survival and complication rates after salvage laryngectomy at the authors’ academic cancer center. Materials and methods: A retrospective examination of all patients receiving laryngectomy between 2001 and 2019 due to tumor residuals or recurrence after primary radio- and radiochemotherapy was conducted. Results: A total of 33 salvage procedures were performed. Defect reconstruction was performed by free flap surgery in 30.3% (n = 10) and regional flap surgery in 15.2% (n = 5). One patient received regional flap surgery and free flap surgery simultaneously. Overall survival after 1, 2, and 5 years was 68.7, 47.9, and 24.2%, and disease-free survival was 81.6, 47.8, and 24.2%, respectively, with 48.5% (n = 16) postoperative tumor recurrences overall. Disease-free survival was significantly shorter for tumor extension into or onto the hypopharynx (p = 0.041). Postoperatively, 72.7% of patients developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula, of which 24.2% required surgical treatment. The hospital stay was 28.0 ± 16.1 days. Conclusion: Salvage laryngectomy is associated with a high rate of treatable complications and high morbidity. Nevertheless, considering the advanced tumor stages treated, it allows for respectable oncological results.