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Using botulinum toxin A to improve speech and swallowing function following total laryngectomy
1Department of Communicative Disorders, College of Health Professions, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate a technique to reduce dysfunctional spasm in the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) in patients after laryngectomy.
Design:
Pharyngoesophageal segment function related to voice and/or swallowing in patients who had undergone a laryngectomy was evaluated before and after the injection of botulinum toxin A.
Setting:
Academic referral medical center.
Patients:
Eight outpatients with voice and/or swallowing complaints after undergoing a total laryngectomy.
Interventions:
Videofluoroscopic contrast examination was completed to identify stricture vs spasm in the PES in patients with voice and/or swallowing complaints after undergoing a laryngectomy. Lidocaine hydrochloride injection under fluoroscopic guidance was completed to facilitate immediate relaxation of spasm. After positive results with lidocaine, botulinum toxin was injected into the same area to facilitate longer-lasting benefit.
Main Outcome Measure:
Patient report of benefit and videofluoroscopic evaluation of PES function.
Results:
Six of 8 patients demonstrated improved function within the PES after lidocaine injection. Five of these 6 received transcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin. Four of the 5 patients demonstrated improved swallowing and/or voice function, and 3 of these 4 received subsequent injections of botulinum. No serious complications were encountered.
Conclusions:
Transcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin in the PES under videofluoroscopic guidance provides improvement in voice and/or swallowing function without significant complications. Additional clinical study will be required to evaluate dose and technique influences on degree and duration of benefit and complications.