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Background: Our centre (Freeman Hospital, Newcatle Upon Tyne NHS Trust) has favoured primary surgery over chemoradiotherapy for specific advanced laryngeal cancer patients (e.g. large-volume tumours, airway compromise, significant dysphagia, T 4 disease). This study reports the survival outcomes for a modern, high-volume head and neck centre favouring surgical management to determine whether this approach improves survival., Method: Retrospective analysis of patient data over a seven-year period from a tertiary cancer centre., Results: In total, 121 patients were identified with T 3 ( n = 76) or T 4 ( n = 45) laryngeal cancer (mean follow up 2.9 years). In the cohort treated with curative intent ( n = 104, 86.0 per cent), the 2- and 5-year estimated disease-specific survival rates were 77.9 and 64.1 per cent. chemoradiotherapy had the highest 2-year disease-specific survival (92.5 per cent), followed by surgery with adjuvant therapy (81.8 per cent), radiotherapy alone (75 per cent) and surgery alone (72.4 per cent)., Conclusion: For a centre favouring primary surgery for certain advanced laryngeal cancers, the disease-specific survival appears no higher than that found in the published literature. To enhance survival, future research should focus on precision medicine to define treatment pathways in this disease.

Objective: This study aimed to solve the debate over the role and extent of neck dissection to treat any occult nodal metastasis in patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy for recurrent and/or residual squamous cell carcinoma of larynx., Methods: This was a retrospective study over a time frame of 6 years (2016-2022) of 74 patients who underwent bilateral neck dissection and salvage laryngectomy for recurrent or persistent disease with N0 neck. We calculated the incidence of occult nodal metastasis in ipsilateral and contralateral neck., Results: Incidence of ipsilateral neck disease was calculated as 8.11 per cent and it was 0 per cent in contralateral neck. Regarding ipsilateral nodal level distribution, level II was the highest at 6.76 per cent, followed by level III at 5.41 per cent. There was 0 per cent metastasis in levels IV and IIb., Conclusion: In patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy with N0 neck, ipsilateral super selective neck dissection is considered a convenient and oncologically safe option to treat the neck.

Objective: The larynx is the second most prevalent subsite for head and neck cancer. Over half of head and neck cancer patients present with advanced disease. We report our regional practices for palliative intent laryngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC)., Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with laryngeal SCC treated with palliative intent, discussed at the regional head and neck multidisciplinary team meeting from July 2010 to June 2016., Results: A total of 65 patients were included, of whom 45 per cent had potentially curable disease but were not fit for curative treatment. Nine patients (14 per cent) underwent tracheostomy, with mean survival and hospital stay of 278 and 48 days, respectively. Four patients (6 per cent) underwent debulking surgery with mean survival and hospital stay of 214 and 1 days, respectively., Conclusion: All palliative treatment measures offered to patients can have an impact on survival and quality of life. Patients should be at the centre of the decision-making process and counselled on the potential impact of interventions.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate rate of the COVID-19 disease, its severity, mortality rate and anxiety levels in subjects who underwent total laryngectomy., Methods: The subjects who underwent total laryngectomy were included in the study. The data were first obtained retrospectively and then a telephone survey was applied. Anxiety levels was evaluated by the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS)., Results: A total of 54 subjects were included in the study. Nine (16.7%) males were reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Five (55%) of them were hospitalized; 2 of them (22%) were taken to intensive care units, and one subject (11%) died. Although a tendency to increase risk of COVID-19 disease in the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis users (23.1% vs 14.63%) was observed, statistically difference was not significant. The average total CAS score was significantly higher in those who had COVID-19., Conclusion: The data documented that people who underwent total laryngectomy developed more frequent and more severe COVID-19 disease and had a higher mortality rate. Although no obvious variable was found, our data suggest that using a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis may be somewhat effective. Besides, our subjects presented very low anxiety about COVID-19.

Objective: Transoral robotic surgery total laryngectomy is a promising procedure. We conducted a systematic review to study the indications, surgical techniques and complications of this procedure., Methods: We followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement., Results: We concluded with 5 studies and 27 surgeries. The main indications of transoral robotic surgery total laryngectomy were selected recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas, dysfunctional larynx, and specific primary non-squamous cell carcinoma laryngeal cancers. The rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula was 20 per cent overall. In every reported cancer case, the specimen was excised within negative surgical margins. The average time of the procedure was 282.6 minutes., Conclusion: Transoral robotic surgery total laryngectomy is a safe procedure of high value. The preservation of strap muscles and hyoid bone as well as the sacrifice of less mucosa compared to the traditional technique reduces the risk of certain complications and improves the swallowing outcome.

Background: A pathological communication between the trachea and oesophagus - a tracheoesophageal fistula - may be congenital or acquired, benign or malignant, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. Conservative attempts at closure of this abnormal connection are ineffective; the interposition of healthy vascular tissue offers the least chance of recurrence., Methods: Outcomes of an islanded fasciocutaneous internal mammary artery perforator flap applied for tracheoesophageal fistula management were assessed in four radiated patients with laryngeal carcinoma using retrospective records., Results: Four male patients, with an average age of 60.75 years, underwent tracheoesophageal fistula closure between September 2017 and February 2021. A left-sided second internal mammary artery perforator flap was used in all cases, with an average dimension of 10.5 × 4.5 cm. There were no complications of tracheoesophageal leak, flap issues or donor site morbidity on follow up., Conclusion: Recent advances in angiosomal territory mapping and microvascular dissection techniques, combined with an understanding of tracheoesophageal fistula pathology, have changed management perspectives in these difficult-to-treat patients.

Objective: To determine oncological and functional outcomes in patients with T3 and T4 laryngeal carcinoma, in which choice of treatment was based on expected laryngeal function and not T classification., Methods: Oncological outcomes (disease-specific survival and overall survival) as well as functional outcomes (larynx preservation and functional larynx preservation) were analysed., Results: In 130 T3 and 59 T4 patients, there was no difference in disease-specific survival or overall survival rates after radiotherapy (RT) (107 patients), chemoradiotherapy (36 patients) and total laryngectomy (46 patients). The five-year disease-specific survival rates were 83 per cent after RT, 78 per cent after chemoradiotherapy and 69 per cent after total laryngectomy, whereas overall survival rates were 62, 54 and 60 per cent, respectively. Five-year larynx preservation and functional larynx preservation rates were comparable for RT (79 and 66 per cent, respectively) and chemoradiotherapy (86 and 62 per cent, respectively)., Conclusion: There is no difference in oncological outcome after (chemo)radiotherapy or total laryngectomy in T3 and T4 laryngeal carcinoma patients whose choice of treatment was based on expected laryngeal function.

Background: Treatment selection for squamous cell carcinoma patients aged over 84 years is controversial. This retrospective chart review examined and compared characteristics of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in very elderly (over 84 years) and younger patients (approximately 65 years). The secondary objective was to further evaluate the outcome of radiotherapy as a treatment modality in this patient population., Methods: Of all 23 very elderly patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy, with or without surgery, in the Davidoff Cancer Center, from 1992 to 2012, 19 had sufficient data for analysis, and comprised the study group., Results: Median age at diagnosis was 86 years. Disease stage at diagnosis was I, II, III and IVA in 53 per cent, 21 per cent, 21 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively. Median radiotherapy dose was 60 Gy given in 25 fractions. Three patients had recurrence. No patient discontinued treatment because of toxicity. Median overall survival was 3.6 years (range, 0-10 years)., Conclusion: Very elderly laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients may derive a similar survival advantage as younger counterparts. Modern radiotherapy is effective and safe for treating laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in this study population. Further, large-scale studies are needed.

Background: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the most common complications following total laryngectomy. It increases hospital stay and the financial burden on patients, and prolongs nasogastric feeding. This paper presents novel techniques for prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula., Method: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre to assess the effectiveness of continuous extramucosal pharyngeal suturing and the hydrogen peroxide leak test in prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in 59 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy with or without partial pharyngectomy for locally advanced cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx., Results: The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula in our study was 6.8 per cent, which is considerably lower than the incidence reported in various previous studies., Conclusion: The continuous extramucosal suturing technique provides watertight closure of the neopharynx and can be recommended as a reliable method for neopharyngeal closure post total laryngectomy to reduce the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Background: There is increasing concern regarding efficacy of organ preservation protocol in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers., Method: This study retrospectively assessed disease-related and functional outcomes of 191 patients with non-metastatic laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with curative intent (radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy)., Results: Seventy-six patients (39.8 per cent) had a primary cancer in the larynx, and 115 patients (60.2 per cent) had a primary cancer in the hypopharynx. The median follow up was 39 months. The 3-year time to progression, overall survival, local control and laryngectomy free survival was 56.2 per cent, 76.3 per cent, 73.2 per cent and 67.2 per cent, respectively. At the time of analysis, 83 patients (43.5 per cent) were alive and disease free at their last follow up and did not require tube feeding or tracheostomy. The laryngo-oesophageal dysfunction-free survival was 61 per cent at 3 years., Conclusion: Organ conservation protocols remain the standard of treatment in appropriately selected patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Objective: This study compares the detection rates of haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging and white light imaging in laryngeal papilloma surgery., Methods: Seventeen patients with laryngeal papilloma who underwent surgery in our department from September 2019 to September 2021 were selected. All patients underwent carbon dioxide laser surgery under a microscope. The lesion sites were explored in white light mode and haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode. The pharynx and larynx anatomical sites were evaluated using Derkay's all-position scoring system. The numbers and scores for lesions observed in the two modes were compared., Results: In 17 cases, there were statistically significant differences in the numbers of laryngeal papillomas (Derkay score) detected by white light mode and haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode. In 9 of 17 patients (52.94 per cent), the haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode showed additional diseased tissues., Conclusion: The haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode can dynamically identify diseased tissues in carbon dioxide laser surgery under a microscope and improve the laryngeal papilloma detection rate.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of granulation tissue after endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery for glottic cancer., Method: This was a retrospective review of 36 patients who underwent endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery for T 1 and T 2 glottic cancer. Post-operative, endoscopic examinations were rated by three blinded otolaryngologists for time to heal and presence of granulation. Patient and surgical factors were compared with time to heal and granulation., Results: A total of 16 of 36 wounds (44 per cent) developed granulation tissue, and 24 wounds (67 per cent) healed without requiring surgical intervention. A total of 7 of 8 wounds biopsied more than 3.5 months after surgery had persistent cancer versus 1 of 4 wounds biopsied at equal to or less than 3.5 months (85.7 per cent vs 25 per cent; p = 0.03). Biopsy at more than 3.5 months was associated with 28-fold increased odds of cancer in biopsy compared with biopsy at equal to or less than 3.5 months (odds ratio, 28.0; 95 per cent confidence interval, 1.088-373.3)., Conclusion: After carbon dioxide laser surgery for glottic cancer, development of granulation tissue is common. Granulation that persists for more than 3.5 months necessitates biopsy because of increased risk of persistent cancer.

Objective: Heat from transoral laser microsurgery can cause tissue shrinkage, impacting the surgical margin. This study aimed to compare shrinkage between cold steel and carbon dioxide laser resections of laryngeal lesions., Methods: A European Laryngological Society type II resection was performed on 10 mm 'lesions' marked on both the true and false folds of fresh-frozen human larynxes; specifically, laser resection was performed on the right side and cold steel resection on the left side., Results: Twenty-eight larynxes were included. Tissue shrinkage was significantly higher in laser resection (35-45 per cent) compared to cold steel resection (8-14 per cent) ( p < 0.0001). In most cases, there was no significant difference in shrinkage between true and false fold sites., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that specimen shrinkage is significantly higher in laser resections. This shrinkage will affect the size of the surgical margin; surgeons and pathologists should be aware of this when considering positive and close margins.

Objective: Surgery is the recommended treatment for resectable T 4 a laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Non-surgical treatment is an option in a select few patients., Method: This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the treatment outcomes in patients with resectable T 4 a carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx who received either surgical or non-surgical treatment at our institute and to assess factors influencing these outcomes., Results: A total of 120 patients were included in the study. They were divided into groups A, B and C based on the presence of extralaryngeal spread through laryngeal membrane, cartilage or both. The overall survival was better among patients who received surgery than those who received non-surgical treatment in the three groups. The factor influencing overall survival was the treatment given in the form of surgical versus non-surgical treatment., Conclusion: Surgery is the preferred treatment for T 4 a laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma, even in patients with extralaryngeal spread without cartilage erosion.

Objective: Radiotherapy is considered a risk factor for pharyngocutaneous fistula after a total laryngectomy. This study aimed to analyse the impact of exclusive radiotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy and the time interval between radiotherapy and surgery on the risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula., Method: This study was a retrospective revision of 171 patients treated with a total laryngectomy after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy., Results: Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 33 patients (19.3 per cent). Patients previously treated with chemoradiotherapy showed a non-significant higher pharyngocutaneous fistula rate compared with patients treated with radiotherapy (25.0 per cent vs 18.0 per cent; p = 0.455). Patients with a pharyngocutaneous fistula after chemoradiotherapy treatment required a surgical repair more frequently than patients treated with radiotherapy ( p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in the pharyngocutaneous fistula rate depending on the time interval between radiotherapy and surgery ( p = 0.580)., Conclusion: There were no differences in the pharyngocutaneous fistula rate after total laryngectomy depending on the previous treatment with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, or depending on the interval between radiotherapy treatment and surgery.

Objective: Current evidence suggests there is no difference between endoscopic laser surgery and radiotherapy with regards to oncological outcomes of early laryngeal cancer. Patient management may therefore be directed towards voice and quality of life outcomes. This systematic review compares functional outcomes with respect to voice character, swallowing outcomes and quality of life for endoscopic laser surgery versus radiotherapy for T 1 and T 2 stage laryngeal carcinoma., Method: Search terminology was designed by both authors and used in Cochrane, PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies of adult patients treated for primary T 1 and T 2 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma utilising one objective (validated) measure of quality of life, swallowing or voice were included., Results: Initial searches identified 1767 studies. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 42 studies were identified for full-text review., Conclusion: This review concluded that neither treatment is clearly advantageous. Future research should be composed of further prospective studies that use a standardised assessment regime to allow valid comparison.

Background: There is controversy regarding management of the neck at salvage laryngectomy. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis to determine the incidence of occult node positivity in this group and analyse factors affecting it., Method: A retrospective analysis of 171 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy between 2000 and 2015 for recurrent or residual disease following definitive non-surgical treatment and were clinico-radiologically node negative at the time salvage laryngectomy was carried out., Results: A total of 171 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancers underwent concurrent neck dissection at laryngectomy. There were 162 patients (94.7 per cent) who underwent bilateral neck dissection, and 9 patients (5.3 per cent) who underwent ipsilateral neck dissection. The occult lateral nodal metastasis rate was 10.5 per cent. Of various factors, initial node positive disease was the only factor predicting occult metastasis on univariable and multivariable analysis (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: Risk of occult metastasis is high in patients who have node positive disease before starting radiotherapy. This group should be offered elective neck dissection.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of salvage total laryngectomy and identify areas for further improvement., Method: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy between January 1999 and December 2018 was performed., Results: Thirty-one patients were identified. The most common primary tumour site was the glottis (83.8 per cent). Early stage (T1-T2) disease was identified in 83.9 per cent of cases. Overall survival at 2 and 5 years post-salvage total laryngectomy was 71 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively. Disease-free survival at 2 and 5 years post-salvage total laryngectomy was 65 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively. The rate of post-salvage total laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula was 29 per cent., Conclusion: More than half of patients will not survive beyond five years after salvage total laryngectomy. Regional recurrence was the most common form of failure and death. From this study, elective lateral and central neck dissection is advocated in patients with early laryngeal cancer who present with an advanced recurrence.

Objectives: This paper describes a simple method of securing tissue coverage of the great vessels at the initial surgery by rotating the divided sternal heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, a routine step during laryngectomy, and approximating them to the prevertebral fascia. The paper presents an illustrated case example where this technique in a salvage laryngectomy repair resulted in a protected vascular axis following a salivary leak., Results: Since utilising this technique, there has been a marked reduction in the requirement of subsequent flap procedures to protect vessels, and no episodes of threatened or actual carotid blowout.

Background: Thyroid lobectomy is recommended with total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network ('NCCN') guidelines. However, it is associated with a 32-89 per cent risk of hypothyroidism, with or without adjuvant radiotherapy., Objective: The study aimed to determine whether preserving the whole thyroid, compared to a single lobe, does indeed significantly lower the incidence of hypothyroidism in the setting of total laryngectomy., Method: A retrospective study was conducted at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa., Results: Eighty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall incidence of hypothyroidism was 45.2 per cent. The incidence of hypothyroidism was significantly reduced in patients who underwent thyroid-sparing total laryngectomy compared to hemithyroidectomy (p = 0.037). Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with a higher incidence of hypothyroidism (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: Thyroid-preserving laryngectomy should be advocated in carefully selected patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma, as it reduces the incidence of hypothyroidism.

Objective: To verify the main advantages and drawbacks of mechanical suturing for pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy versus a manual suturing technique., Methods: A retrospective review was carried out of 126 total laryngectomies performed between 2008 and 2018. Manual closure was performed in 80 cases (63.5 per cent) and mechanical suturing was performed in 46 cases (36.5 per cent)., Results: Mechanical suturing was used significantly more frequently in patients with: glottic tumours (p = 0.008), less local tumour extension (p = 0.017) and less pre-operative morbidity (p = 0.014). There were no significant differences in the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula between the manual suture group (16.3 per cent) and the mechanical suture group (13.0 per cent) (p = 0.628). None of the patients treated with mechanical suturing had positive surgical margins. Cancer-specific survival for the mechanical suture group was higher than that for the manual suture group (p = 0.009)., Conclusion: Mechanical suturing of the pharynx after total laryngectomy is an oncologically safe technique if used in suitable cases.

Background: Total laryngectomy is often utilised to manage squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx. This study reports on surgical trends and outcomes over a 10-year period., Method: A retrospective review of patients undergoing total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma was performed (n = 173), dividing patients into primary and salvage total laryngectomy cohorts., Results: A shift towards organ-sparing management was observed. Primary total laryngectomy was performed for locoregionally advanced disease and utilised reconstruction less than salvage total laryngectomy. Overall, 11 per cent of patients developed pharyngocutaneous fistulae (primary: 6 per cent; salvage: 20 per cent) and 11 per cent neopharyngeal stenosis (primary: 9 per cent; salvage: 15 per cent). Pharyngocutaneous fistulae rates were higher in the reconstructed primary total laryngectomy group (24 per cent; 4 of 17), compared with primary closure (3 per cent; 3 of 90) (p = 0.02). Patients were significantly more likely to develop neopharyngeal stenosis following pharyngocutaneous fistulae in salvage total laryngectomy (p = 0.01) and reconstruction in primary total laryngectomy (p = 0.02). Pre-operative haemoglobin level and adjuvant treatment failed to predict pharyngocutaneous fistulae development., Conclusion: Complications remain hard to predict and there are continuing causes of morbidity. Additionally, prior treatment continues to affect surgical outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the significance of patients' ability to recognise symptoms that signify recurrence., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in Norway of demographic, clinical and follow-up data for patients with laryngeal carcinoma considered free of disease following treatment. The study included clinical data from 732 patients with glottic tumours and 249 patients with supraglottic tumours who were considered cured of disease. Data on the site, time and type of recurrence (symptomatic or asymptomatic) were retrieved., Results: Recurrence was observed in 127 patients with glottic tumours and 71 with supraglottic tumours. A total of 103 glottic recurrences and 53 supraglottic recurrences were symptomatic. For patients with glottic carcinoma, recurrence detection through symptoms was associated with a favourable post-salvage survival rate compared with asymptomatic recurrences (p = 0.003)., Conclusion: A patient's ability to self-detect 'red flag' symptoms and self-initiate visits represents a previously ignored prognostic factor, and may rationalise follow up and improve survival.

Objective: To assess published reports of oncological surgical success rates in patients who underwent transoral laser supraglottic surgery and robotic surgery for supraglottic cancer., Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted and a meta-analysis of published data was performed. PubMed, Sage, Medline and Cochrane data sources were investigated. Overall survival rates, disease-specific survival rates, additional treatments and recurrence rates were investigated to determine the success of the surgical procedures., Results: The meta-analysis included 24 studies; 1617 studies were excluded. There were no statistically significant differences between the transoral laser supraglottic surgery and transoral robotic supraglottic surgery groups in terms of overall survival (77.0 per cent and 82.4 per cent respectively) and disease-specific survival (75.8 per cent and 87.0 per cent respectively). There was recurrence in 164 out of 832 patients (19.7 per cent) in the transoral laser supraglottic surgery group and in only 6 out of 66 patients (9 per cent) in the transoral robotic supraglottic surgery group., Conclusion: Transoral laser surgery and robotic surgery appear to have comparable and acceptable oncological success rates.

Objectives: Transoral laser microsurgery is an increasingly common treatment modality for glottic carcinoma. This study aimed to determine the effect of age, gender, stage and time on voice-related quality of life using the Voice Handicap Index-10., Methods: Primary early glottic carcinoma patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery were included in the study. Self-reported Voice Handicap Index testing was completed pre-operatively, three months post-operatively, and yearly at follow-up appointments., Results: Voice Handicap Index improvement was found to be dependent on age and tumour stage, while no significant differences were found in Voice Handicap Index for gender. Voice Handicap Index score was significantly improved at 12 months and 24 months. Time versus Voice Handicap Index modelling revealed a preference for non-linear over linear regression., Conclusion: Age and stage are important factors, as younger patients with more advanced tumours show greater voice improvement post-operatively. Patient's Voice Handicap Index is predicted to have 95 per cent of maximal improvement by 5.5 months post-operatively.

Background: It is recognised that a limited cohort of patients receive open partial laryngeal surgery in specific centres within the UK, so sharing information around key clinical issues and recommendations for practice is necessary to improve outcomes., Methods: This position statement provides practice recommendations based on a synthesis of the available evidence presented at the 12th Evidence Based Management day on 'Laryngeal Cancer' and the ensuing discussions. Literature searches and critical analysis of available evidence were undertaken and triangulated with the clinical experience of the authors to develop these recommendations.Results and conclusionThis paper presents a comprehensive overview of challenges that the multidisciplinary team may encounter. It provides recommendations for swallow and speech rehabilitation after open partial laryngectomy, and suggests practical ways that these issues may be addressed pre- and post-operatively.

Objective: Total laryngectomy is considered the primary treatment modality for advanced laryngeal carcinoma. This study assessed the quality of life in patients after total laryngectomy, and ascertained whether quality of life is affected by socioeconomic status., Method: Forty-seven patients (20 state- and 27 private-sector) who underwent total laryngectomy between 1998 and 2014 responded to the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Voice-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire., Results: Significant differences were found in socioeconomic status between state- and private-sector patients (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference in overall quality of life between groups (p = 0.210). State-sector patients scored significantly higher Voice-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire scores (p = 0.043). Perception of illness did not differ significantly between groups., Conclusion: Overall quality of life after total laryngectomy appears to be similar in patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds. However, patients from lower socioeconomic circumstances have better voice-related quality of life. The results illustrate the importance of including socioeconomic status when reporting voice outcomes in total laryngectomy patients.

Objective: To compare functional and oncological treatment outcomes among patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancers who underwent transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and open supraglottic laryngectomy., Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 17 patients treated by transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and 20 patients treated by open supraglottic laryngectomy., Results: No tracheostomy or prolonged intubation was needed in the transoral robotic surgery group. Furthermore, that group had a shorter oral feeding time, hospitalisation and recovery period. There was no difference between groups in terms of complications. There were no differences in overall survival time and disease-specific survival time between groups., Conclusion: Transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy for supraglottic laryngeal cancer is an oncologically safe and functional procedure with better results when compared to conventional open surgery.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an onlay pectoralis major flap in reducing the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after salvage total laryngectomy and determine the complications of pectoralis major flap reconstruction., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of consecutive patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy between 1995 and 2016. The pharyngeal defects were primarily closed with or without the pectoralis major flap., Results: Of 64 patients, 34 had primary pharyngeal closure alone (control group) and 30 received an onlay pectoralis major flap (pectoralis major flap group). The overall fistula rate was 15.6 per cent, with 17.6 per cent occurring in the control group and 13.3 per cent in the pectoralis major flap group (p = 0.74). The incidence rates of voice failure (p = 0.02) and shoulder disability (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the pectoralis major flap group., Conclusion: The pectoralis major flap in salvage total laryngectomy did not decrease the pharyngocutaneous fistula rate, and the incidence of flap-related complications was high. Appropriate surgical technique and post-operative care may reduce the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Background: Tracheoesophageal puncture represents the 'gold standard' for voice restoration following laryngectomy. Tracheoesophageal puncture can be undertaken primarily during laryngectomy or in a separate secondary procedure. There is no current consensus on which approach is superior. The current evidence comparing primary and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture was assessed., Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of articles comparing outcomes for primary and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture after laryngectomy were conducted. Outcome measures were: voice success, overall complication rate and pharyngocutaneous fistula rate., Results: Eleven case series met the inclusion criteria, two prospective and nine retrospective. Meta-analysis did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in overall complication rate or voice outcomes, though it suggested a significantly increased risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula in primary compared to secondary tracheoesophageal puncture., Conclusion: Primary tracheoesophageal puncture is a safe and efficient approach for voice rehabilitation. However, secondary tracheoesophageal puncture should be preferred where there is a higher risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Background: Dysphagia is a relatively common symptom following laryngectomy. An anterior pharyngeal diverticulum is a rare cause of post-laryngectomy dysphagia. However, it is often an incidental finding on rigid telescopic examination., Methods and Results: This article describes two patients with a symptomatic anterior pharyngeal diverticulum. They were treated by transoral micro-endoscopic potassium titanyl phosphate 532 nm laser assisted resection. Both patients could take feeds orally after the procedure without any difficulty. One patient died one and a half years after the procedure because of secondary lung cancer. The other patient died after three years as a result of regional recurrence. The patients were able to swallow during their survival period post treatment., Conclusion: Laser-assisted micro-endoscopic resection is a relatively safe, quick and effective procedure for the management of anterior pharyngeal diverticulum.

Background: Adult laryngeal haemangiomas are rare vascular tumours that have been managed by a variety of surgical techniques., Methods: This paper describes a case of near-fatal acute airway obstruction secondary to such a lesion, followed by our approach to surgical resection using a laparoscopic bipolar tissue-sealing device., Results: This technique resulted in successful excision of the lesion, with no evidence of recurrence at one year of follow up., Conclusion: Laparoscopic bipolar instruments can be used for the resection of moderate to large laryngeal haemangiomas as an alternative to laser excision.

Objectives: This study aimed to: describe the incidence of thyroid gland involvement in advanced laryngeal cancer, analyse patterns of spread to the thyroid and elucidate predictors of thyroid involvement., Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent laryngectomy from 1991 to 2015 as a primary or salvage treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, hypopharynx or base of tongue. The incidence of thyroidectomy during total laryngectomy, type of thyroidectomy, incidence of gland involvement, route of spread, and positive predictors of spread were analysed and reported., Results: A total of 188 patients fit the inclusion criteria. Of these, 125 (66 per cent) underwent thyroidectomy. The thyroid was involved in 10 of the 125 patients (8 per cent), 9 by direct extension and 1 by metastasis. Cartilage invasion was a predictor of thyroid gland involvement, with a positive predictive value of 26 per cent., Conclusion: There is a low incidence of thyroid gland involvement in laryngeal carcinoma. Most cases of gland involvement occurred by direct extension. Thyroidectomy during laryngectomy should be considered for advanced stage tumours with cartilage invasion.

Background: Acellular dermal matrices are increasingly used in laryngotracheal and pharyngeal reconstruction, but specific indications and the type of acellular dermal matrix used vary. The authors systematically reviewed outcomes relating to acellular dermal matrix use in head and neck reconstruction., Methods: Electronic databases were searched through 1 May 2016 for literature on acellular dermal matrix use in laryngotracheal and pharyngeal reconstruction. Studies were appraised for surgical indications, outcomes and study design., Results: Eleven publications with 170 cases were included. Eight articles reported on acellular dermal matrix use in oncological reconstruction. Most studies were case series; no high-level evidence studies were identified. Graft extrusion was more common in non-oncological applications. In general, post-oncological reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix demonstrated complication rates similar to those reported without an acellular dermal matrix., Conclusion: Evidence in support of acellular dermal matrix use in head and neck reconstruction is generally poor. Prospective comparative studies are required to define the indications, safety and effectiveness of acellular dermal matrices in laryngotracheal and pharyngeal reconstruction.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the oncological and voice outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery for tumour stage T1b stage glottic cancer patients., Methods: A prospective cohort study in a tertiary care head and neck cancer centre included tumour-node-metastasis stage T1bN0M0 glottic cancer patients scheduled to undergo transoral laser microsurgery from January 2002 until June 2014. Kaplan-Meier five-year analyses of local control, overall survival, disease-specific survival and laryngeal preservation were performed. Voice Handicap Index-10 scores and maximum phonation times were also recorded., Results: Twenty-one participants with a mean age of 66.8 years were enrolled. The mean follow up was 56.5 months. Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival analysis illustrated a local control rate of 82 per cent, overall survival of 88 per cent, disease-specific survival of 100 per cent, and laryngeal preservation of 100 per cent. The pre-operative Voice Handicap Index-10 score was 19.1 ± 9.47 (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) and the post-operative scores were 13.5 ± 9.29 at three months, 10.44 ± 9.70 at one year and 5.83 ± 4.91 at two years. The pre-operative maximum phonation time was 16.23 ± 5.46 seconds (mean ± SD) and the post-operative values were 14.44 ± 6.73 seconds at three months, 15.27 ± 5.71 seconds at one year and 14.33 ± 6.44 seconds at two years., Conclusion: Transoral laser microsurgery yields relatively high rates of oncological control and acceptable voice outcomes, and thus shows utility as a primary treatment modality for T1b glottic cancer.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a patient-to-patient communication model on dysphagia in laryngeal cancer patients after total laryngectomy., Methods: Sixty-five patients who had undergone total laryngectomy were randomly divided into three groups: a routine communication group, a patient communication group (that received the patient-to-patient communication model) and a physician communication group. Questionnaires were used to compare quality of life and swallowing problems among all patient groups., Results: The main factors causing dysphagia in total laryngectomy patients were related to fear and mental health. The patient communication group had improved visual analogue scale scores at one week after starting to eat. Quality of life in swallowing disorders questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the patient communication and physician communication groups than in the routine communication group. In addition, swallowing problems were much more severe in patients educated to high school level and above than in others., Conclusion: The patient-to-patient communication model can be used to resolve swallowing problems caused by psychological factors in total laryngectomy patients.

Background: The optimal management of glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure is controversial., Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 76 patients with glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated by transoral carbon dioxide laser resection by a single surgeon., Results: Sixty-three patients (with tumour stage Tis-T3) were eligible for inclusion. Thirty patients had involvement of the anterior commissure; these patients were significantly more likely to have either uncertain or positive margins (63.3 vs 30.3 per cent, p = 0.012), and were also more likely to receive adjuvant radiotherapy (40 vs 3.2 per cent, p = 0.0005). The overall laryngeal preservation rate was 96.8 per cent; there was no statistically significant difference between those with and without anterior commissure involvement (96.7 and 96.9 per cent respectively)., Conclusion: Transoral laser resection with the use of adjuvant radiotherapy in a minority of patients with adverse pathological findings can be recommended for the primary treatment of anterior commissure glottic cancer from an oncological perspective; excellent local control and laryngeal preservation rates can be achieved.

Background: Functional voice rehabilitation is becoming increasingly important following total laryngectomy and pharyngolaryngectomy. Tracheoesophageal voice via a shunt valve is currently regarded as the 'gold standard' for voice rehabilitation. Traditional techniques usually allow for the replacement of valves in the out-patient setting; however, patient factors such as altered anatomy may occasionally prevent this., Objective: This paper describes a novel approach for speech valve insertion that is safe, quick and cost-effective, and which uses equipment commonly available in ENT wards and the operating theatre.

Background: Nodal metastasis is an important prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to determine the average nodal basin yield per level of neck dissection, and to investigate if age, gender, body mass index, tumour size, depth of tumour invasion and p16 status influence nodal yield., Method: A retrospective review of 185 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma generated 240 neck dissection specimens., Results: The respective mean nodal yields for levels I, II, III, IV and V were 5.27, 9.43, 8.49, 7.43 and 9.02 in non-cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients, and 4.2, 7.57, 9.65, 4.33 and 12.29 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients. Multiple regression analysis revealed that p16-positive patients with mucosal squamous cell carcinoma yielded, on average, 2.4 more nodes than their p16-negative peers (p = 0.04, 95 per cent confidence interval = 0.116 to 4.693). This figure was 3.84 (p = 0.008, 95 per cent confidence interval = 1.070 to 6.605) for p16-positive patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma., Conclusion: In mucosal squamous cell carcinoma, p16-positive status significantly influenced nodal yield, with the impact being more pronounced in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the utility of onlay pectoralis major myofascial flap in preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula following salvage total laryngectomy., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 172 patients who underwent salvage laryngectomy for recurrent carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx between 1999 and 2014. One hundred and ten patients underwent primary closure and 62 patients had pectoralis major myofascial flap onlay., Results: The overall pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was 43 per cent, and was similar in both groups (primary closure group, 43.6 per cent; onlay flap group, 41.9 per cent; p = 0.8). Fistulae in the onlay flap group healed faster: the median and mean fistula duration were 37 and 55 days, respectively, in the primary closure group and 20 and 25 days, respectively, in the onlay flap group (p = 0.008)., Conclusion: Use of an onlay pectoralis major myofascial flap did not decrease the pharyngocutaneous fistula rate, although fistula duration was shortened. A well-designed randomised-controlled trial is needed to establish parameters for its routine use in clinical practice.

Objective: To evaluate the utility of the hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure in stapler-assisted laryngectomy., Methods: Patients who underwent total laryngectomy at a single institution from 2009 to 2015 were reviewed. The interventions assessed were surgical creation of a tracheoesophageal puncture and placement of a voice prosthesis. The outcomes measured included voicing ability and valve failure., Results: Thirty-nine patients underwent total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy. Of these, nine underwent stapler-assisted laryngectomy; seven of the nine patients underwent concurrent stapler-assisted laryngectomy, cricopharyngeal myotomy and a hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure. These seven patients were the focus of this review. Successful voicing and oral alimentation was achieved in all patients. Mean time to phonation was 30 days (range, 7-77 days) and mean time to first valve change was 90 days (range, 35-117 days)., Conclusion: Primary tracheoesophageal puncture with concurrent voice prosthesis placement and cricopharyngeal myotomy is easily performed with stapler-assisted laryngectomy. The hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure is a simple method that enables a single operator to achieve primary tracheoesophageal puncture and valve placement; in addition, it facilitates concurrent cricopharyngeal myotomy.

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. Significantly new data have been published on laryngeal cancer management since the last edition of the guidelines. This paper discusses the evidence base pertaining to the management of laryngeal cancer and provides updated recommendations on management for this group of patients receiving cancer care. Recommendations • Radiotherapy (RT) and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) are accepted treatment options for T1a-T2a glottic carcinoma. (R) • Open partial surgery may have a role in the management of selected tumours. (R) • Radiotherapy, TLM and transoral robotic surgery are reasonable treatment options for T1-T2 supraglottic carcinoma. (R) • Supraglottic laryngectomy may have a role in the management of selected tumours. (R) • Most patients with T2b-T3 glottic cancers are suitable for non-surgical larynx preservation therapies. (R) • Concurrent chemoradiotherapy should be regarded as the standard of care for non-surgical management. (R) • Subject to the availability of appropriate surgical expertise and multi-disciplinary rehabilitation services, TLM or open partial surgical procedures ± post-operative RT, may be also be appropriate in selected cases. (R) • In the absence of clinical or radiological evidence of nodal disease, elective treatment (RT or surgery ± post-operative RT) is recommended to at least lymph node levels II, III and IV bilaterally. In node positive disease, it is recommended that lymph node levels II-V should be treated on the involved side. If level II nodes are involved, then elective irradiation of ipsilateral level Ib nodes may be considered. (R) • Most patients with T3 supraglottic cancers are suitable for non-surgical larynx preservation therapies. (R) • Concurrent chemoradiotherapy should be regarded as the standard of care for non-surgical management. (R) • Subject to the availability of appropriate surgical expertise and multi-disciplinary rehabilitation services, TLM or open partial surgical procedures ± post-operative RT, may also be appropriate in selected cases. (R) • In the absence of clinical or radiological evidence of nodal disease, elective treatment (RT or surgery ± post-operative RT) is recommended to at least lymph node levels II, III and IV bilaterally. In node positive disease, lymph node levels II-V should be treated on the involved side. (R) • As per the PET-Neck clinical trial, patients with N2 or N3 neck disease who undergo treatment with chemoradiotherapy to their laryngeal primary and experience a complete response with a subsequent negative post-treatment positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT) scan do not require an elective neck dissection. In contrast, patients who have a partial response to treatment or have increased uptake on a post-treatment PET-CT scan should have a neck dissection. (R) • Larynx preservation with concurrent chemoradiotherapy should be considered for T4 tumours, unless there is tumour invasion through cartilage into the soft tissues of the neck, in which case total laryngectomy yields better outcomes. (R) • In the absence of clinical or radiological evidence of nodal disease, elective treatment (RT or surgery ± post-operative RT) is recommended to bilateral lymph node levels II, III, IV, V and VI. (R).

Background: Voice restoration after laryngopharyngectomy can be achieved with an autologous ileocolic flap. We have observed that the length of the flap influences vocal outcome. This investigation aimed to evaluate the association between ileocolic flap length and vocal quality after laryngopharyngectomy., Methods: The charts of patients who underwent voice rehabilitation with an ileocolic flap after laryngopharyngectomy between 1 January 2011 and 30 December 2012 were abstracted. The length of ileum segment in the ileocolic flap was stratified, and voice outcome was evaluated three months post-operatively, while adjusting for confounding variables., Results: There was a significant association between flap length and loudness, maximum phonation time and sound pressure level (p < 0.05). All three parameters were best in the 10 cm length group., Conclusion: Voice rehabilitation after laryngopharyngectomy is possible with an ileocolic flap. The optimal ileocolic flap contains a 10 cm ileum segment. Complications are frequent but amenable to revision surgery.

Background: Transoral endoscopic ENT surgical procedures are a mainstay of treatment for a variety of conditions and are often preferable to open surgery where possible. Cases of micrognathia, prominent incisor teeth or trismus may create difficulties in gaining sufficient access to undertake such procedures. Extraction of the anterior maxillary teeth can help overcome these problems in appropriate cases, with subsequent prosthetic tooth replacement supported by dental implants. To date, this approach has not been reported in the literature., Case Reports: This paper reports on two cases which illustrate this approach; the first case involved pharyngeal pouch management where previous open surgery had failed, and the second case involved glottic carcinoma management where oral access was compromising resection., Conclusion: This technique is recommended to facilitate effective transoral surgical procedures as a low-morbidity alternative to either open surgery or non-surgical therapies.

Objective: The tumour-node-metastasis staging system has a dynamic structure that is continuously being updated as scientific data develops. This review discusses some suggested revisions on tumour-node-metastasis staging of human papillomavirus negative upper aerodigestive tract cancers., Methods: The seventh edition of The American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual was reviewed and important issues that could be considered for revision were identified and discussed., Results: According to our assessment of the oncological outcomes of previous studies, the following factors should be considered for revision: anterior commissure involvement and subglottic extension in laryngeal cancers; underlying bone involvement in hard palate and upper alveolar ridge cancers; tumour thickness in oral cancers; and extracapsular spread and carotid artery involvement in neck metastases., Conclusion: Sufficient data on the prognostic importance of these issues have been reported. Suggested revisions in line with current knowledge on the clinical behaviour of upper aerodigestive tract cancers would improve the relevancy of staging.

Background: Although type 2 respiratory failure is a plausible late presentation for laryngeal tumours, very little published literature is available to support this theory., Methods: This paper describes the unusual presentation of a subglottic tumour with uncompensated type 2 respiratory failure., Results: The patient was initially managed with biphasic positive airway pressure as a bridging measure while awaiting intensive care treatment and to provide sufficient time to arrange a surgical tracheostomy., Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion towards subglottic tumours in patients presenting with type 2 respiratory failure. The positive outcome indicates that biphasic positive airway pressure is a potential bridging therapy for upper airway obstruction and a safe and stable treatment option for patients in respiratory distress.

Objective: This paper reports the outcome of using acellular dermal matrix to repair a cervical skin defect in a patient with an advanced laryngeal carcinoma that had invaded the skin., Case Report: A 55-year-old man underwent surgical repair of severe atypical hyperplasia and of a squamous cell carcinoma at 17 and 9 months, respectively, prior to undergoing the current procedure. Five months prior to the current procedure, his left cervical skin broke down and the lesion gradually enlarged. A pathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was made. The cervical skin defect was repaired with a tailored acellular dermal matrix patch. The cervical wound completely healed without developing infection or a pharyngeal fistula, and the patient exhibited no dysphagia three years after surgery., Conclusion: Cervical skin defects can be successfully repaired with acellular dermal matrix.

Background: Haemangioma of the adult larynx is an uncommon, benign lesion. The optimal surgical method of treating these lesions is controversial because only very limited case series are available. This paper reports the results of transoral robotic resection of a supraglottic haemangioma in an adult and reviews the literature., Methods and Results: A 58-year-old woman presented having experienced a lump-in-the-throat sensation for 1 year. Investigations on laryngoscopy revealed a lobulated, dark red mass in the region of the supraglottis. This was successfully excised by transoral robotic excision without complications., Conclusion: Adult supraglottic haemangiomas can be treated successfully with transoral robotic excision; this potentially allows more of the surrounding mucosal tissue to be spared and enables easy control of bleeding.