Functional outcomes after CO2 laser treatment of early glottic carcinoma

Objectives. To analyze vocal outcome after endoscopic CO2 laser treatment of early glottic carcinoma by perceptive and objective assessment. Study Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 141 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for previously untreated early glottic carcinoma between October 1993 and July 2003. Five types of laser cordectomies as classified by the European Laryngological Society classification were performed. Comparison of voice results between the different types of cordectomies as well as with a control group was performed. Results: There was no significant difference in the vocal parameters between subepithelial and subligamental cordectomies and controls (P >.05). There was, however, a significant difference between the groups of transmuscular, total, and extended cordectomies and controls (P <.05). Conclusions: Good oncologic results and vocal outcomes with no difference between controls and subepithelial and subligamental cordectomies support the use of CO2 laser endoscopic surgery as the first line of treatment for early glottic cancer.