Abstract:

As a common complication after laryngectomy, dysphagia seriously impaired the quality of life of patients. Laryngectomy included total laryngectomy and partial laryngectomy. Swallowing resistance increasing, esophageal dysmotility and stenosis of new pharynx all resulted in dysphagia after total laryngectomy. The damage or absence of swallowing anatomy after partial laryngectomy led to sub glottal pressure reducing, and trachea protection mechanism and open/close of the glottis impairing, disturbing breathing and swallowing coordination, and result in choking, aspiration, and so on. Dysphagia was assessed subjectively and objectively. Subjective methods included beside examination and swallowing disorder scales. Objective methods included Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing and High-resolution Manometry. Early swallowing rehabilitation training, psychological intervention and family members participating in rehabilitation nursing and continuing nursing after discharge could promote the recovery of swallowing function of patients after laryngectomy.

Key words: laryngectomy, dysphagia, mechanism, rehabilitation, nursing, review