Stomal recurrence after primary total laryngectomy.

Stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy is usually considered to be incurable. A total of 402 patients suffering from squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated by total laryngectomy during the period 1982-96 were analysed. In the group of patients studied, the significant risk factors for stomal recurrence were glottic-subglottic tumour localization and regional tumour spread. Postoperative radiotherapy can significantly reduce the risk of stomal recurrence.