Risk analysis for tracheostomy dependency in curatively treated laryngeal cancer with organ preservation.

Background: A tracheostomy has an enormous negative impact on the patient's quality of life. The purpose of this study is to describe risk factors for permanent tracheostomies in patients undergoing curative organ-preserving treatment of laryngeal cancer.

Methods: The charts of all patients with laryngeal cancer diagnosed at our tertiary referral center were reviewed. Cases receiving a tracheostomy before, during, or after primary organ-preserving treatment were eligible.

Results: A total of 87 patients who underwent tracheostomies were enrolled in the present study. During follow-up, 48 patients (55%) required a permanent tracheostomy, whereas 39 patients (45%) were decannulated. Multivariate analysis revealed primary radiotherapy (RT; odds ratio [OR] 12.857; P < .001) and recurrence (OR 25.84; P < .001) as independent factors of permanent tracheostomy.

Conclusion: This study identifies primary curative RT and tumor relapse as independent risk factors of permanent tracheostomy dependency in patients with laryngeal cancer undergoing a tracheostomy during or after primary curative organ-preserving treatment.