Objective  To investigate the effect of laser endoscopic surgery and laryngectomy on respiratory as well as swallowing functions in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

  Methods  Eighty patients with early laryngeal carcinoma were randomly divided into group A and group B, with 40 cases in each group. Group A was treated with CO₂ laser surgery under supporting laryngoscope, and group B was treated with laryngectomy. The recovery, X-ray Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) results, Modified Penetration-aspiration Scale (MPAS) score and Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) score were compared between the two groups.

  Results  The operation time and hospitalization time in the group A were significantly shorter than those in the group B (P < 0.05); at 12 months after operation, the number of mucosa smooth in the group A was significantly higher than that in the group B (P < 0.05); at 14 postoperative days, the MPAS score of the group A was significantly lower than that of the group B (P < 0.05); at 30 postoperative days, the GUSS score of the group A was significantly higher than that of the group B (P < 0.05). The total number of cases with complications in the group A were significantly lower than those in the group B (2 cases versus 23 cases, P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  CO₂ laser surgery is more effective in the treatment of patients with early laryngeal carcinoma, which can effectively improve the breathing and swallowing functions of patients, relieve pain of patients, reduce the incidence of complications, and achieve good postoperative rehabilitation effect.