Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
Published on: August 2, 2024
Incidence of sinunasal disease in laryngectomized patients
Andreas M Sesterhenn1, Gordon Fiedler, Hans-Helge Müller
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany. sesterhenn@hno-marburg.de
Objectives:
Patients having a total laryngectomy for cancer of the larynx or the hypopharynx are faced with tremendous physical and emotional challenges. Nasal airflow, which transports potentially pathogenic substances into the nose, is almost completely interrupted after laryngectomy. Postlaryngectomy patients are estimated to suffer less frequently from sinunasal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the incidence of sinunasal disorders in patients before and after laryngectomy retrospectively.
Patients And Methods:
A questionnaire was designed comprising items addressing specific symptoms of sinunasal disease.
Results:
The questionnaire was answered by 104 laryngectomized patients. Common colds occurred less frequently (p < 0.0001) as well as acute and chronic sinusitis (p = 0.0168) after laryngectomy. In comparison, the incidence of rhinorrhea increased significantly (p < 0.0001). Medical interventions for sinunasal disorders were rarely necessary and surgical interventions remained reserved for exceptional cases.
Conclusion:
Sinunasal diseases seem to affect laryngectomized individuals less frequently than before laryngectomy.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
