Minimally Invasive Procedures for Laryngeal Carcinoma: Transoral Endoscopic Laser and Transoral Robotic Surgery

Abstract

Open partial or total laryngectomies with or without radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are the only mainstays in the treatment of laryngeal carcinomas. However, minimally invasive procedures such as transoral endoscopic carbondioxide laser microsurgery (TLM) or transoral robotic surgeries (TRS) are now being increasingly used in selected patients. The laryngeal framework is not disturbed in these procedures; therefore, the postoperative swallowing function improves more rapidly, and routine tracheotomy is not usually required. Moreover, they have oncological results comparable with open procedures.