Long-Term Functional Outcome after Unilateral Cordectomy

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Our aim was to longitudinally analyze the vocal outcome after endoscopic CO(2) laser resection of early glottic carcinoma. PROCEDURES: Sixteen patients treated with laser surgery for T1 or T2 tumors of the vocal cords received voice therapy and were examined 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Besides videolaryngostroboscopy, each examination included history, phonetogram of the speaking and the singing voice, language-specific hoarseness diagram and a questionnaire (Voice Handicap Index 12 in German). RESULTS: Objective parameters demonstrated a broad variability with a slight tendency of improvement over time. For the maximal phonation time a nearly constant improvement was seen. After an initial improvement deterioration for subjective assessment in the Voice Handicap Index was noted in most patients 3-6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcome after cordectomy is variable. MESSAGE OF THE PAPER: Discrepancies between objective findings and patient satisfaction over time have to be considered after cordectomy.