Comparison of Swallowing Act Videofluoroscopy after Open and Laser Partial Supraglottic Laryngectomy

The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of swallowing act detected by videofluoroscopy of two different techniques in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. This study was conducted on 41 patients undergoing two supraglottic laryngectomy techniques. The research population was assigned into two groups of open and laser supraglottic laryngectomy, including 21 and 20 patients, respectively. Food residue was present in most of the patients in the open laryngectomy group. Aspiration of the liquid and solid contrasts was observed in 16 and 4 patients, respectively. In the laser laryngectomy group undergoing a partial supraglottic laryngectomy via carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, aspiration was recorded in only six patients. There was a statistically significant difference between these two groups regarding the presence of aspiration as a marker of a bad functional outcome. Techniques that include the endoscopic removal of the tumor via CO2 laser result in good oncologic and functional outcomes, along with reduced postoperative morbidity and mortality.