[The use of a mathematical method for the prognostication of the selected operative procedure in laryngeal neoplasms].

The study was concerned with selection of the 12 most informative features, each presented on a scale of numerical values from zero to 20. Statistical evaluation of clinical data on 500 cases of laryngeal cancer was carried out on a computer. On the basis of 250 cases, two major procedures of treatment--K1 (functional organ-saving) and K2 (laryngotomy) were established. The method of mathematical analysis was based on evaluation of significance of relevant diagnostic features using distance function metrics. The three most informative features were identified following an evaluation of the results of standard specimen computation. Two programs for computing the extent of surgical intervention in cases of laryngeal cancer, stage III-IV, were developed for use in the MK-52 type microcalculators. Said programs were tested in 50 cases of laryngeal cancer, stage III-IV; they proved effective in 75.6 +/- 1.8%. More information was needed in 20 +/- 1.7%, while likelihood of error was 4.4 +/- 0.8%. These programs may be used by medical personnel who are not proficient in dealing with such problems.