[Swallowing and breathing after partial resection of the larynx]

Fortyseven patients with partial resection of the larynx due to carcinoma, were examtned for difficulties in swallowing and breathing. Swallowing troubles were observedin 8 patients of 25 in whom horizontal partial laryngectomy was done. It might be that the main reason for difficult swallowing were infections of the perichondrium, resections of the tongue base and large resections of the larynx. Oedema of arytenoid, which appeared after supraglottic laryngectomy of resection of both upper laryngeal nerves, did not disturb the function of swallowing. None of 22 patients with partial vertical laryngectomy had difficulties with swallowing. Decannulation for correct espiratory function was done in 18 patients of 23 with horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy. In 5 patients decannulation could not be performed. In patients with horizontal glottectomy tracheostomy was not performed. Only 9 patients of 22 in whom vertical partial laryngectomy was done, were subjectad to tracheostomy. Decannulation was done in 8 patients. Due to recurrent carcinoma and total laryngectomy in one patient tracheostoma was left permanently.