Coblation-assisted transoral supraglottic laryngectomy

Abstract

Background Transoral supraglottic laryngectomy (TSL) has been widely applied in the treatment of supraglottic cancers. The aim of this study is to evaluate a simplified technique for excising properly selected supraglottic tumors with a transoral coblation-assisted system. Methods Eight patients with T1-3N2M0 supraglottic cancer were treated with TSL with the coblation-assisted system. Results Tumors in all patients were en bloc resected with negative surgical margins and the selective neck dissection was also performed. The mean operation time for TSL was 39 minutes (25–65 minutes). The average time for the removal of the nasogastric tube was 8.6 days (1–28 days). All patients were extubated and shifted to the ward after operation. None of the patients required tracheotomy. Conclusion Coblation-assisted TSL is a relatively simple, easy approach with low risk. It could be a feasible and safe procedure for patients with properly selected supraglottic cancer.