[Limited resection in partial surgery for carcinoma of the larynx. Prognostic consequences and therapeutic implications].

Limited resection in partial surgery for carcinoma of the larynx leads to discussion of three surgical attitudes: total surgical resection as a matter of principle, additional treatment by radiotherapy, or waiting, with the need for strict surveillance. The present study reports the results of this latter attitude adopted in 23 cases out of 24 of limited resection in a group involving 119 partial laryngectomies (vertical or horizontal) consisting of: 57 cordectomies, 20 hemilaryngectomies, 42 supraglottal laryngectomies. Results of analysis show that there was no recurrence and patients were well with a 3 year follow-up in 19 cases of limited resection out of 24. Overall survival following limited resection was identical to that seen after satisfactory resection, but there was a marked difference with insufficient resection (X2 significant) Following partial laryngeal surgery involving a limit resection, it is felt to be legitimate to temporise as long as the patient can be seen regularly. Such an approach would not seem to modify the overall survival in these patients.