Preoperative prognostic factors for functional and clinical outcomes after open partial horizontal laryngectomies

Background In minority of cases, the clinical recovery of the neolarynx after open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHLs) can be challenging, possibly affecting the final functional outcome. Methods One hundred and twenty-three patients who underwent OPHLs were selected. A series of clinical preoperative independent variables were considered. All patients were monitored for the following dependent outcome variables: sequelae; need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy positioning; days before tracheal cannula removal and nasogastric tube removal; and length of hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant associations between preoperative clinical variables and outcomes variables. Results Multivariate analysis confirmed age, cT classification, body mass index, and smoking habits as significant prognostic factors for worse functional and clinical recovery outcomes. Conclusions Knowing what variables are significantly associated with worse clinical and functional outcomes can guide clinicians in defining the best surgical choice not only from an oncological perspective, but also for a better postoperative recovery.