Comparative voice study following partial laryngectomy in T1b und T2 vocalchord carcinoma: Laser surgery versus the anterolateral approach.

Background: We conducted a study to compare the voice quality after transor al endolaryngeal laser surgery versus anterolateral partial laryngectomy in terms of ability to communicate effectively. Material and Methods: Two gro ups each of 8 patients were reexamined at least 6 months after either a las er surgical or a partial anterolateral laryngectomy, for a T1b or T2 vocal chord carcinoma was performed by the same surgeon. The Following examinatio ns were conducted: video-laryngoscopy, video-stroboscopy, phonetogram when reading a standard text or when speaking and shouting, voice load test, res piratory flow measurement, auditive voice rating following the RBH model, a nd auditive rating of the voice by the patients according to a questionnair e. Results: A voice disorder with a medium-grade dysphony and an essential limitation of the speaking and shouting voice function and voice quality wa s detected in both groups of patients. Plo significant differences were obs erved in any of the parameters evaluation in both groups of patients. Concl usions: Both surgical techniques appear to be equivalent in terms of postop erative voice function. However, the tracheotomy was avoided in the patient s undergoing laser surgery.