Purpose of review: To describe current evidence about supratracheal laryngectomies, focusing on indications, contraindications, oncologic results, functional outcomes and side-effects of this 'extreme' function-sparing surgical approach to laryngeal cancer.
Recent findings: In the latest years, some studies have analyzed oncologic and functional results of open partial supratracheal laryngectomy, a surgical approach whose modern technique was recently described. In selected patients, supratracheal partial laryngectomies show promising long-term oncologic and functional outcomes, similar to those of supracricoid partial laryngectomies.
Summary: The application of supratracheal laryngectomy in the context of a surgical modular approach can be considered a valid and effective therapeutic choice for selected patients with glottic or transglottic laryngeal cancer with subglottic extension, not only in terms of oncologic results, but also in regard of functional outcomes.