[Swallowing disorders in unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis]

Swallowing difficulties in isolated recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis are rarely reported in the literature, although it is frequently mentioned in lesions of both recurrent laryngeal and superior laryngeal nerves. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the incidence of aspiration in patients with unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis after head and neck or thoracic surgery. Eighteen patients were included and evaluated within the first week and eleven two months postoperatively. Position, tone and tension of the vocal fold as well as assessment of the glottic axis, arytenoid position and mobility, laryngeal sensibility, status of the pyriform sinus and salivary stasis were studied. Swallowing evaluation was performed using flexible fiberoptic videolaryngoscopy during dry swallowing, thick cream and methylene blue liquid swallowing. Five patients had symptomatic aspiration, one silent aspiration and twelve patients had no aspiration. The type of regimen feeding used was classified as a normal, mixed, or blended diet. Added specific treatment performed was also described. We conclude that aspiration may occur in unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and have to be systematically evaluated after pneumomectomy, because adequate treatment can be proposed.