Skip to main content

Transoral Approach for Extended Cancers (T3–T4a)

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Textbook of Surgery of Larynx and Trachea

Abstract

Transoral surgery (TOS) is a minimally invasive surgical approach to laryngeal cancer that includes different techniques, based on the system used for visualization (microscope or videoendoscope), the instruments employed for the resection (laser, monopolar spatula, ultrasound forceps, etc.), and the potential assistance of a robotic platform. Among them, transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS) has demonstrated its usefulness in all the areas of the larynx. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS), transoral videoendoscopic surgery (TOVS), and transoral ultrasonic surgery (TOUSS) are mainly feasible in the supraglottis, with difficult access to the glottic region.

Although TOS has been mainly indicated in early laryngeal tumors, locally advanced cases are also amenable to be removed through a transoral approach. The indications mainly include selected T3 supraglottic and glottic tumors. In the present chapter we review the indications, relevant technical aspects, and oncologic and functional outcomes of TOS for advanced tumors of the larynx.

Results published in the literature are mainly limited to TOLMS and evidence that in those tumors involving the anterior compartments of the larynx, TOS is a minimally invasive surgical alternative, with adequate oncologic and functional outcomes, reduced morbidity, and high percentage of larynx and function preservation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Pfister DG, Spencer S, Adelstein D, et al. Head and neck cancers, version 2.2020, NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology. J Natl Compr Cancer Netw. 2020;18(7):873–98. https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2020.0031.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Vilaseca I. Transoral laser microsurgery of benign and malignant lesions. Thieme Publishers Sttutgart; 2015. ISBN: 9783131723918.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Tomifuji M, Araki K, Yamashita T, Shiotani A. Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;271(3):589–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2575-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Fernández-Fernández MM, Montes-Jovellar L, Parente Arias PL, Ortega Del Alamo P. TransOral endoscopic UltraSonic Surgery (TOUSS): a preliminary report of a novel robotless alternative to TORS. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;272(12):3785–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-014-3423-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Doazan M, Hans S, Morinière S, et al. Oncologic outcomes with transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma: Results of the French Robotic Surgery Group of GETTEC. Head Neck. 2018;40(9):2050–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.25199.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Lechien JR, Fakhry N, Saussez S, et al. Surgical, clinical and functional outcomes of transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic laryngeal cancers: a systematic review. Oral Oncol. 2020;109:104,848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104848. Epub ahead of print.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Blanch JL, Caballero-Borrego M, Vilaseca I. The learning curve in transoral laser microsurgery for malignant tumors of the larynx and hypopharynx: parameters for a levelled surgical approach. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013;270(2):623–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-012-2181-6. Epub 2012 Sep 21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Lydiatt WM, Patel SG, O’Sullivan B, et al. Head and neck cancers-major changes in the American Joint Committee on cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual. CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67(2):122–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Peretti G, Piazza C, Mora F, Garofolo S, Guastini L. Reasonable limits for transoral laser microsurgery in laryngeal cancer. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;24(2):135–9. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOO.0000000000000240.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Vilaseca I, Bernal-Sprekelsen M. Transoral laser microsurgery for locally advanced laryngeal cancer. Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp. 2013;64(2):140–9. English, Spanish. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otorri.2012.01.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Agnello F, Cupido F, Sparacia G, Midiri F, Miroddi M, Grassedonio E, Galia M. Computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a practical approach. Neuroradiol J. 2017;30:197–204.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Tokat T, Adibelli ZH, Koc AM, Muderris T, Atsal G, Ozkok G. Impact of magnetic resonance on the decision of conservative surgery in advanced larynx cancer. Am J Otolaryngol. 2021;42(2):102855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102855.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Hussain T, Lang S, Haßkamp P, Holtmann L, Höing B, Mattheis S. The flex robotic system compared to transoral laser microsurgery for the resection of supraglottic carcinomas: first results and preliminary oncologic outcomes. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2020;277(3):917–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05767-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Orosco RK, Tam K, Nakayama M, Holsinger FC, Spriano G. Transoral supraglottic laryngectomy using a next-generation single-port robotic surgical system. Head Neck. 2019;41(7):2143–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.25676.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Blanch JL, Vilaseca I, Caballero M, Moragas M, Berenguer J, Bernal-Sprekelsen M. Outcome of transoral laser microsurgery for T2---T3 tumors growing in the laryngeal anterior commissure. Head Neck 2011;33:1252–1259.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Eckel HE. Local recurrences following transoral laser surgery for early glottic carcinoma: frequency, management, and outcome. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2001;110:7–15.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Steiner W, Ambrosch P, Rödel RMW, Kron M. Impact of anterior commissure involvement on local control of early glottic carcinoma treated by laser microresection. Laryngoscope. 2004;114:1485–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Benazzo M, Canzi P, Mauramati S, et al. Transoral robot-assisted surgery in Supraglottic and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: laser versus monopolar electrocautery. J Clin Med. 2019;8(12):2166. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8122166.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Steiner W. Results of curative laser microsurgery of laryngeal carcinomas. Am J Otolaryngol. 1993;14(2):116–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/0196-0709(93)90050-h.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Motta G, Esposito E, Cassiano B, Motta S. T1-T2-T3 glottic tumors: fifteen years experience with CO2 laser. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl 1997;527:155–159. doi: https://doi.org/10.3109/00016489709124062.

  21. Ambrosch P, Rödel R, Kron M, Steiner W. Die Transorale Lasermikrochirurgie des Larynkarzinoms. Onkologe. 2001;5:505–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Motta G, Esposito E, Motta S, Tartaro G, Testa D. CO2 laser surgery in the treatment of glottic cancer. Head Neck. 2005;27(8):733. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.20266.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Hinni ML, Salassa JR, Grant DG, et al. Transoral laser microsurgery for advanced laryngeal cancer. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;133(12):1198–204. https://doi.org/10.1001/archotol.133.12.1198.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Grant DG, Salassa JR, Hinni ML, Pearson BW, Hayden RE, Perry WC. Transoral laser microsurgery for untreated glottic carcinoma. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;137(3):482–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2007.05.064.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Peretti G, Piazza C, Cocco D, et al. Transoral CO(2) laser treatment for T(is)-T(3) glottic cancer: the University of Brescia experience on 595 patients. Head Neck. 2010;32(8):977–83. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.21278.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Canis M, Ihler F, Martin A, Wolff HA, Matthias C, Steiner W. Organ preservation in T4a laryngeal cancer: is transoral laser microsurgery an option? Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013;270(10):2719–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2382-7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Canis M, Martin A, Ihler F, Wolff HA, Kron M, Matthias C, Steiner W. Transoral laser microsurgery in treatment of pT2 and pT3 glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma—results of 391 patients. Head Neck. 2014;36(6):859–66. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.23389.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Breda E, Catarino R, Monteiro E. Transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal carcinoma: survival analysis in a hospital-based population. Head Neck. 2015;37(8):1181–6. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.23728.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Pantazis D, Liapi G, Kostarelos D, Kyriazis G, Pantazis TL, Riga M. Glottic and supraglottic pT3 squamous cell carcinoma: outcomes with transoral laser microsurgery. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;272(8):1983–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3611-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Peretti G, Piazza C, Penco S, et al. Transoral laser microsurgery as primary treatment for selected T3 glottic and supraglottic cancers. Head Neck. 2016;38(7):1107–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.24424.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Day AT, Sinha P, Nussenbaum B, Kallogjeri D, Haughey BH. Management of primary T1-T4 glottic squamous cell carcinoma by transoral laser microsurgery. Laryngoscope. 2017;127(3):597–604. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.26207.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Chang BA, Lott DG, Nagel TH, Howard BE, Hayden RE, Hinni ML. Outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery with resection of cartilage for laryngeal cancer. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019;128(10):978–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003489419851521.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Chien PJ, Hung LT, Wang LW, Yang MH, Chu PY. Oncologic results and quality of life in patients with T3 glottic cancer after transoral laser microsurgery. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;278:2983. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06445-2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Motta G, Esposito E, Testa D, Iovine R, Motta S. CO2 laser treatment of supraglottic cancer. Head Neck. 2004;26(5):442–6. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.10395.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Cabanillas R, Rodrigo JP, Llorente JL, Suárez C. Oncologic outcomes of transoral laser surgery of supraglottic carcinoma compared with a transcervical approach. Head Neck. 2008;30(6):750–5. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.20778.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Peretti G, Piazza C, Ansarin M, De Benedetto L, Cocco D, Cattaneo A, Nicolai P, Chiesa F. Transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for tis-T3 supraglottic squamous cell carcinomas. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;267(11):1735–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-010-1284-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Canis M, Ihler F, Martin A, Wolff HA, Matthias C, Steiner W. Results of 226 patients with T3 laryngeal carcinoma after treatment with transoral laser microsurgery. Head Neck. 2014;36(5):652–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.23338.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Vilaseca I, Blanch JL, Berenguer J, Grau JJ, Verger E, Muxí Á, Bernal-Sprekelsen M. Transoral laser microsurgery for locally advanced (T3-T4a) supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma: sixteen years of experience. Head Neck. 2016;38(7):1050–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.24408.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Ambrosch P, Gonzalez-Donate M, Fazel A, Schmalz C, Hedderich J. Transoral laser microsurgery for Supraglottic cancer. Front Oncol. 2018;8:158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2018.00158.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Vilaseca I, Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Luis BJ. Transoral laser microsurgery for T3 laryngeal tumors: prognostic factors. Head Neck. 2010;32:929–38.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Vilaseca I, Nogués-Sabaté A, Avilés-Jurado FX, et al. Factors of local recurrence and organ preservation with transoral laser microsurgery in laryngeal carcinomas; CHAID decision-tree analysis. Head Neck. 2019;41(3):756–64. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.25422.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Riga M, Chelis L, Danielides V, Vogiatzaki T, Pantazis TL, Pantazis D. Systematic review on T3 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma; still far from a consensus on the optimal organ preserving treatment. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2017;43(1):20–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2016.05.030.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Piazza C, Filauro M, Paderno A, et al. Three-dimensional map of isoprognostic zones in glottic cancer treated by transoral laser microsurgery as a unimodal treatment strategy. Front Oncol. 2018;8:175. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2018.00175.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Succo G, Crosetti E, Bertolin A, et al. Treatment for T3 to T4a laryngeal cancer by open partial horizontal laryngectomies: prognostic impact of different pathologic tumor subcategories. Head Neck. 2018;40(9):1897–908. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.25176.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Vilaseca-González I, Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Blanch-Alejandro JL, Moragas-Lluis M. Complications in transoral CO2 laser surgery for carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. Head Neck. 2003;25(5):382–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.10207.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Vilaseca-González I, Blanch-Alejandro JL. Predictive values for aspiration after endoscopic laser resections of malignant tumors of the hypopharynx and larynx. Head Neck. 2004;26(2):103–10. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.10363.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Remacle M, Van Haverbeke C, Eckel H, et al. Proposal for revision of the European Laryngological Society classification of endoscopic cordectomies. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2007;264(5):499–504. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-007-0279-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Vilaseca I, Bernal-Sprekelsen M, Him R, Mandry A, Lehrer E, Blanch JL. Prognostic factors of quality of life after transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015;272(5):1203–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-014-3030-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Isabel Vilaseca .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Vilaseca, I., Bernal-Sprekelsen, M. (2022). Transoral Approach for Extended Cancers (T3–T4a). In: Remacle, M., Eckel, H.E. (eds) Textbook of Surgery of Larynx and Trachea. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09621-1_25

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09621-1_25

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-09620-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-09621-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics