Cordectomy by median thyrotomy, so called larynofissure, has been used as an effective method for ealry cancer of the vocal cord, but has now been supplanted by radiation therapy, or laser cordectomy. Although the role of this technique was compromised, it is still one option for treating early glottic cancer. By using operating microscope, the surgical margin can be controlled more exactly and by using a mucosal flap advanced from the false vocal cord, better voice could be achieved, even in radiated patients. Fourteen cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord were treated with cordectomy by laryngofissure at the Seoul National University hospital from Nov.1983 to Feb.1992. There were five cases of radiation failure. All of them were T1 glottic cancer. Three among them were survived but one died due to disseminated disease, and the other died of lung cancer. All nine cases initially treated by this technique showed long term suvival after operation. The advantages and surgical techniques were discussed.