Clinical experience with the tracheoesophageal anastomosis for intractable aspiration

Clinical experience in six patients in whom the tracheoesophageal diversion procedure or a modification thereof has been performed is presented. Two of these patients have been reconstructed with resulting normal laryngeal and esophageal function. Three of the patients have successfully undergone tracheoesophageal anastomosis and are candidates for reconstruction. One patient in whom the tracheoesophageal anastomosis has been present for 2 1/2 years may never demonstrate neurological return sufficient for reversal of the procedure. On the basis of these six cases, we consider the tracheoesophageal anastomosis to be an effective, yet reversible, procedure for intractable aspiration.