Effect of low-temperature plasma ablation in the treatment of early glottic cancer

Objective To analysis the short-term efficacy and safety of low-temperature plasma ablation in the treatment of early glottic carcinoma. Methods Total 93 cases of early glottic carcinoma in our hospital from March 2007 to February 2012 were enrolled into this study.Total 43 cases underwent the low-temperature plasma ablation,while 50 cases underwent the partial laryngectomy.The recurrence rate,incidence of complications and short-term survival rate of patients were compared between the two groups. Results There were 2 cases of postoperative recurrence(stage T1b and T2,one case for each stage) in the low-temperature plasma ablation group,and 5 cases(1 case of Tis,3 cases of T1a and 1 case of T2) in the partial laryngectomy group.There was no statistical difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups(χ²=0.950,P=0.329).There was 1 case of swallowing and breathing disorders in the low-temperature plasma ablation group,while there were 5 cases of incision infection,3 cases of pharyngeal fistula and 4 cases of swallowing and breathing disorders in the partial laryngectomy group,the difference in the incidence of complications was statistically significant between two groups(χ²=9.032,P=0.003).The follow-up of 3 years showed that 5 cases in the low-temperature plasma ablation group died,including 2 cases of T1b and 3 cases of T2;while 7 cases in the partial laryngectomy group died,including 3 cases of T2,2 cases of T1a and 2 cases of T1b.The difference in survival between the two groups was not statistically significant(χ²=1.758,0.035,0.734,P＞0.05). Conclusion There was slight tissue injury and fewer complications in the treatment of early glottic laryngeal cancer by the low temperature plasma ablation,and ensure the quality of life of patients after the operation,which is an ideal options for the patients with early glottic laryngeal cancer.