Vertical partial laryngectomy for recurrent glottic carcinoma after irradiation.

Vertical partial laryngectomy after a full course of irradiation was performed in 26 patients as salvage surgery for recurrent or residual glottic carcinoma. An excellent cure rate and conservation of function was obtained, while complications were few. A prerequisite for this type of surgery is a limited extent and infiltration of the recurrent local tumor growth. As the great majority of local recurrence appears within the first 2 years after radiotherapy, frequent follow-up during this period is stressed for early detection of a recurrence.