[Functional results after reconstructive laryngectomy (author's transl)].

18 reconstructive laryngectomies were performed from 1970 to 1978. 5 patients were operated according to the method of Arslan/Serafini; 7 patients according to the technique of Staffieri and 6 patients according to the method Lange-Beck. The functional results were evaluated by means of polyphysiography (Holm), stroboscopy, gastrografin swallow and by a detained questionnaire. Functional results were best after the Arslan/Serafini technique. 60% were able to swallow without discomfort, the other patients with only minor problems. Vocal intelligibility was best with this method. The results after the Lang-Beck technique were inferior. 50% were able to swallow without discomfort. Major problems with deglutition were encountered in 30%. Vocal intelligibility was poor. The worst results were seen after the Staffieri technique. The results indicate that reconstructive laryngectomy is by no means a standard procedure. The indication for one of the techniques has to be scrutinized carefully.