Laryngeal cancer: preventable laryngectomy in one in five patients

Laryngectomy could be avoided in a cancer patient in five, thanks to a new surgical approach developed by a Belgian otorhinolaryngologue has passed the experimental stages of evaluation.

The larynx separates the digestive tract of the respiratory system. People with cancer of the vocal cords that were excavated larynx can eat if the esophagus is connected directly to their mouth, but they can not, however, breathe naturally and therefore must undergo a tracheotomy.

This very mutilating, is often resented by the patients. To talk, they should block the opening they now have at the throat, but they never found their voice before.

Professor Pierre Delaere, otorhinolaryngologue at the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium), sought to understand why, in most cases, must be total laryngectomy. In a statement from the university, he said that partial removal of the larynx involves the reconstruction of the resected tissue part and requires irrigation tissue replacement operation which is particularly delicate.

As solutions to these two problems, the researcher proposes to use the excess part of the trachea (it is too long by about 5 inches for every human being), having drawn up to replace the resected portion of the larynx . Then he suggests taking a piece of cloth on the forearm, to surround the tracheal segment and make a connection with the circulatory system to ensure the irrigation of tracheal tissue.

The operation, which was carried out successfully on many patients can breathe naturally through the mouth and nose, and preserves the smell. It does not usually result in swallowing disorders. The only stigma of the operation is slightly softer and hoarse voice.

According to Dr. Delaere, this technique should save a laryngectomy in a fifth of patients with laryngeal cancer. More cancer diagnosis is early, the chances of success are important.

Laryngeal cancers represent approximately 3.5% of all cancers. In 90% of cases, smoking is the main cause, which is sometimes added excessive alcohol consumption.