Salvage Conservation Laryngeal Surgery After Radiation Therapy Failure

Conservation laryngeal surgery (CLS) includes time-honored approaches such as the vertical partial laryngectomy and the open horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy, as well as the supracricoid partial laryngectomy and transoral laser microsurgery. Carefully selected patients can undergo transoral endoscopic or open CLS for early to intermediate stage recurrent tumors of the glottic and supraglottic larynx. Patient factors, such as co-morbid pulmonary disease, are essential in selecting patients for CLS, especially after previous radiation therapy. This article reviews the preoperative indications and postoperative management of salvage CLS after radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer.