Surgical management of life-threatening aspiration

Abstract

Intractable aspiration as a result of glottal insufficiency is a life-threatening medical condition. The choice of therapy is dictated by the level and severity of pathology resulting in aspiration and the likelihood of patient recovery. However, many dysphagia-associated disease conditions are not amenable to conservative treatment, and will lead to intractable aspiration and life-threatening pneumonia. Total laryngectomy and laryngotracheal separation are the two surgical options with optimal results, and decisions should be carefully weighed for each individual patient in making the appropriate selection.