Cytology of the nasal mucosa after total laryngectomy

Abstract

In patients who underwent TLE, morphological changes occurred in the nasal mucosa. The hyperplasia of the cells in the basal zone was the most remarkable change after TLE. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.0002) in comparison with the control group. No statistically significant difference was shown in the incidence of squamous cell metaplasia. The inflammatory changes in the nasal mucosa were found in only 10% of patients after TLE; in comparison with the control group the statistically significant decrease was proven (p=0.003). The presence of bacteria in the nasal mucosa without any signs of inflammation was demonstrated in 27% of the patients who underwent TLE. That finding was not seen in the control group. The statistically significant difference was demonstrated (p=0.0046).