[Study on deglutition function following total laryngectomy, epiglottoplasty and reconstruction of vocal function]

Twenty-five cases of epiglottoplasty after total laryngectomy were summarized. Only 4 cases presented aspiration for a short period of time. The X-ray films were taken using a cinematograph X-ray unit and a telecontrol X-ray unit. The results demonstrated that in non aspirator cases and 1 healthy man, the tongue and the larynx (or reconstructive new larynx) coordinated closely and there was better glossolaryngeal close-knit degree, but in aspirator cases there was no coordination between them. The study proved that the deglutition a coordinative motion of hyoid muscles, laryngeal muscles and the nerves supplying them. So it is important that the hyoid bone, its superior muscles and pharyngeal constrictors should be preserved during the operation.