Complications after laryngeal surgery: videofluoroscopic evaluation of 120 patients

Videofluoroscopic assessment of the spectrum and incidence of swallowing complications after state-of-the-art laryngeal cancer surgery.

We retrospectively studied videofluoroscopic examinations of 120 patients (94 men, 26 women; mean age, 58 years) with suspected complications after laryngeal resection (partial laryngectomy, 65; total laryngectomy, 55). Swallowing function (i.e., oral bolus control, laryngeal elevation and closure, presence of pharyngeal residue, aspiration) and structural abnormalities such as strictures, fistulas and tumour recurrence were assessed by videofluoroscopy.

Abnormalities were found in 110 patients, including strictures in nine, fistulas in six and mass lesions in 13 patients. Aspiration was found in 63 patients overall (partial laryngectomy, 61/65; total laryngectomy, 2/55), occurring before swallowing in five, during swallowing in 34, after swallowing in nine and at more than one phase in 15 patients. Pharyngeal paresis was detected in three and pharyngeal weakness in 19 patients. Pharyngo-oesophageal sphincter dysfunction was observed in 10 cases.

Aspiration is a very common complication after partial laryngeal resection. It is mainly caused by incomplete laryngeal closure, sphincter dysfunction or pharyngeal pooling. Videofluoroscopy is the only radiological technique able to identify both disordered swallowing function and structural changes after laryngeal resection. Detection of these complications is crucial for appropriate further therapy.Kreuzer, S. H. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 775-781.