Extended Supraglottic Laryngectomy for Epiglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma with supraglottic extension: A Sri Lankan Experience

Introduction: The incidence of Laryngeal carcinoma is high amongst Asian males. In Sri Lanka its incidence rate continues to increase especially amongst the older age groups (70- to 74-year-olds). There has been a recent paradigm shift in the surgical approach to laryngeal cancer with an increased focus on organ preservation and greater surveillance. Techniques such as open partial laryngectomy (Vertical or Horizontal), Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) and Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) are emerging with better outcomes following careful patient selection and aggressive follow up.
Conclusions: Supraglottic horizontal partial laryngectomy is a reproducible good outcome surgery which can be attempted on selected patients but requires careful planning and a multidisciplinary surgical team approach to achieve a favourable outcome.