Immediate complications of laryngectomy following high-dose preoperative radiotherapy

Abstract

During the most recently completed academic year (July 1969 to July 1970), 24 laryngectomies were performed for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Twenty-two of these laryngectomies followed high-dose preoperative radiotherapy. Of this latter group, 14 represented a planned course of preoperative radiotherapy (5,000 rads in 5 weeks) followed by laryngectomy after a waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks. The remaining eight cases represented the surgical salvage of radiation failures. No mortality or major complications were recorded. Five minor complications were noted; however, of this group, none required a second surgical procedure, and, in all cases, a well-healed surgical field was obtained. With careful teletherapy and meticulous surgical technique, it is possible and feasible to perform low morbidity major head and neck surgery on heavily irradiated tissues.