Objective: To study the long-term follow-up result of laryngectomy with reservation of laryngeal function in senile patients.
Methods: Ninety-nine patients who were above 65 years old and underwent partial laryngectomies from 1986 to 1990 were summarized. Among them, 14 cases underwent vocal cord resection, 31 vertical hemilaryngectomy, 15 horizontal supraglottic hemilaryngectomy, 2 horizontal glottic laryngectomy, 22 horizontovertical (3/4) laryngectomy, 5 subtotal laryngectomy, 10 total laryngectomy with cricopharyngeal anastomosis.
Results: All patients had their phonation and respiration restored. Decannulation rate was 91.9%. No death occurred during the operation. No severe postoperative complications were found. 3.5-year survival rates were 76.7% and 75.5% respectively.
Conclusion: Senility is not a contraindication for laryngectomy with reservation of laryngeal function. The key points are that surgeons should master indications correctly and improve surgical skill to decrease postoperative complications.