Long-term pulmonary function after total laryngectomy

In 58 laryngectomized patients pulmonary function tests were performed during a routine visit to the outpatient clinic. The assessment of pulmonary function with an extratracheal device could easily and reliably be accomplished in all instances. The results show that in long-term follow-up post-laryngectomy expiratory lung function values are significantly lower than predicted. Of the various subjective respiratory complaints, only a higher frequency of coughing was statistically significantly associated with decreased lung function values (P < 0.01). Neither time since surgery (> 1 year vs < 1 year), nor radiation therapy seemed to be correlated with the pulmonary function outcomes. In contrast, the age of the patient did have a significant influence. Although an age-related decline in pulmonary function is a well documented phenomenon, an additional adverse effect was suggested by the present series in the group who was over 65 years of age. Bronchodilator treatment was found to significantly ameliorate several pulmonary function parameters in a sub-group of 18 patients. It may be concluded, that after total laryngectomy significant abnormalities in pulmonary function have to be anticipated. We have found that these disturbances seem to be more pronounced with increasing age.