A view of partial laryngectomy in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.

Attention is drawn to the problems of surgical resection by partial laryngectomy after full therapeutic dosage of telecobalt irradiation. Material is presented from two treatment centres to indicate trends in surgical treatment and the complications experienced. Results will be given which confirm a reasonable expectation of cure and functional conservation by vertical partial laryngectomy for recurrence of glottic cancer after irradiation. The results of treatment of recurrent supraglottic cancer by horizontal partial laryngectomy gave more cause for concern in terms of complications and survival. In conclusion an attempt is made, based on the quoted experience, to define the position of conservation surgery in two centres for laryngeal cancer in the United Kingdom.