Oncologic and functional outcomes of open partial laryngectomies: classical techniques still worthy in the transoral and non-surgical era

In this paper, we review the concept and principles of open partial laryngeal surgery, as well as the historical evolution and the indications for the main techniques. We also show our experience with horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy and supracricoid laryngectomy in a population of 123 patients with early and locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Oncologic (90.9% 5-year local control rate and 82.9% 5-year disease-specific survival) and functional outcomes (91.9% cannula and feeding tube withdrawal after surgery and 72.7% 5-year laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival) support the idea that these techniques are useful tools for treating cancer of the larynx while preserving laryngeal functions. Finally, we discuss the main advantages and drawbacks when comparing this surgery with other function-preserving treatment options, such as transoral laser surgery or non-surgical protocols.