[Comparison of the classical and extended fronto-lateral laryngectomy considering the respiratory function of the larynx].

In Szczecin during the period between 1973-1999, 107 patients were treated with classical fronto-lateral laryngectomy (LFLC) and 112 with extended fronto-lateral laryngectomy (LFLE) due to glottic cancer. We report 30 patients (27 male and 3 female)--13 after LFLC and 17 after LFLE (including 15 cases of LFLE with epiglottoplastic). 72 laryngovideoscopies, 87 spirometric examinations and 18 computerised tomographies were performed. Larynx lumen and 32 spirometric parameters were evaluated. Somewhat higher values of air flow parameters were state in patients qualified for LFLC than LFLE. Average value of the spirometric parameters were also a little bit higher after LFLC than after LFLE. Air flow through the larynx was sufficient to decannulate 11/13 patients after LFLC and 16/17 patients after LFLE. After both types of operations normal air flow was seen in 5 patients after LFLC and 2 patients after LFLE. Spirometric examination with flow-volume loop was the most useful in evaluation of respiratory function of the larynx.