Palliative surgery in patients with bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, commonly develop bulbar symptoms including dysphagia, dysarthria, and defective airway protection. Otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons are frequently asked to assist in the management of these problems. We reviewed our experience of 13 surgical procedures in 7 patients with advanced bulbar ALS. In spite of technically good surgery, 3 patients died within 1 week of hospitalization. Four patients appeared to benefit from the surgery. Patients with bulbar ALS are a high risk group because of chronic malnutrition and dehydration, covert aspiration and pneumonitis, and diminished ventilation. A team approach to these problems is stressed. Perioperative morbidity can be reduced with careful preoperative preparation and patient selection.