Surgical aspects of pharyngeal dysfunction, dysphagia, and aspiration

Abstract

Surgical treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia and aspiration resulting from different disorders is a difficult issue. Sometimes the aim of the surgery is complete correction of the disorder (e.g., extraluminal obstruction), but more often no more than a reduction of the symptoms can be achieved (e.g., laryngeal suspension). The most frequent disorders eligible for surgical treatment are described and some others are described as examples of possible surgical approaches. The surgical techniques described are aimed at preservation or restoration of the function of the larynx and pharynx.