In this paper we report our experience of vertical partial laryngectomy using the superficial cervical fascia; we describe the technique and present the functional and oncological results of this method of treatment.

A total of 42 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the true vocal folds, in stage T1 (n = 28) or T2 (n = 14), were treated in our department using vertical partial laryngectomy during the decade 1987–1997. Nine patients had post-operative radiotherapy. The shortest follow-up time was three years. There were six recurrences in all, four in the larynx and two in the neck. All four of the laryngeal recurrences were treated with total laryngectomy and are doing well. Both the patients with neck metastases, who were treated with neck dissection, died. Permanent tracheotomy was necessary in one patient. There were no problems with aspiration. The recurrence rate was 14 per cent, the three-year survival index was 95.2 per cent and the three-year larynx preservation index was 90 per cent. According to our experience, vertical partial laryngectomy, using the method we describe, has a good functional and oncological result for stage T1 and T2 tumours.