Transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic cancer at a tertiary hospital in Mexico City

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the results of endoscopic laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma treatment (Stages I and II) at a Tertiary Center in Mexico City. Materials and methods: Descriptive, retrospective review of 40 patients with early glottic carcinoma who were treated with endoscopic laser microsurgery with curative intent at our institution from November 2003 to December 2013. Results: The study yielded 4 pTis, 19 pT1a, 8 pT1b, and 9 pT2 patients. Mean patient follow-up time was 7.4 years (range 3-12.9 years). Post-operative bleeding requiring surgical intervention occurred in 1 (2.5%) patient. Kaplan-Meier results at 3 and 5-year estimates were as follows: overall survival was 92.5 and 87%, respectively, laser only local control was 94.9 and 91.6%, respectively; and disease specific survival and ultimate local control rate were 97.5% for both time periods. We found a 97.5% (39/40) organ preservation rate. Conclusions: Laser microsurgery for glottic carcinoma treatment is an emerging technique in Mexico. Our results are promising as reported by other authors in Europe and United States of America, which support the replicability of the surgical technique refined by Dr. Wolfgang Steiner.