This study included a total number of 36 patients who consecutively underwent SCPL-CHP and SCPL-CHEP in 20 and 16 cases, respectively. The objective of this study was to analyze the postoperative course and the functional results of SCPL, with particular concern to the influence of the surgical technique on the functional outcome. Successful decannulation was carried out in 91.7% of patents. The mean times until tracheostomy and nasogastric feeding tube removal were 12 and 21 day, respectively. The rate of pneumonia from aspiration was 11.1%. Completion total laryngectomy for functional reasons was required in one patient (2.8%), while permanent gastrostomy was never requested. The overall normal swallowing rate in the first postoperative month was 52.7%, improved to 91.5% after 6 months. Univariate analysis of the potential correlation between various variables and the duration of the tracheostomy, time for nasogastric feeding tube removal, the recovery of swallowing, the speech and voice outcome and the incidence and type of complications is presented. The study also discusses the management and follow-up care.