Persistence of respiratory-swallowing coordination after laryngectomy

The present study was designed to provide additional insights into the neural mechanisms underlying respiratory-swallowing coupling by studying potential alterations in movement coordination when upper airway protection is no longer necessary. Twelve laryngectomized participants, all at least 3 years postsurgery, were compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Respiration and swallowing were monitored before, during, and after mastication. No significant differences were found between the laryngectomized and normal control participants in the distribution of the respiratory phase in which swallowing occurs, our primary measure of respiratory-swallowing stability. Data suggest that the coupling between the swallowing and respiratory pattern generators is highly stable. Pronounced masticatory-related apnea was observed in 3 of the laryngectomized participants but in none of the controls, suggesting that masticatory/respiratory interactions may become abnormal in these patients.