Impact of Lymph Node Yield in Patients Undergoing Total Laryngectomy and Neck Dissection

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the impact of lymph node yield (LNY) in patients undergoing neck dissection at the time of total laryngectomy (TL). To determine the impact of radiation therapy (RT) on LNY. Methods: Retrospective review of LNY and clinical outcomes in 232 patients undergoing primary or salvage total laryngectomy (TL) with ND. Results: Preoperative RT significantly decreased mean LNY from 31.7 to 23.9 nodes ( P < .001). In primary TL patients, age ( P < .001) and positive margins ( P = .044) were associated with decreased OS. In salvage TL patients, only positive margins was associated with poorer OS ( P = .009). No LNY cutoff provided significant OS or DFS benefit. Conclusions: Radiotherapy significantly reduces LNY in patients undergoing TL and ND. Within a single institution cohort, positive margins, but not LNY, is associated with survival in both primary and salvage TL patients. Level of Evidence: 4