Impact of a Laryngectomy and Surgical Closure Technique on Swallow Biomechanics and Dysphagia Severity

Abstract

Following laryngectomy surgery, pharyngeal pro-pulsive contractile forces are impaired, and there is increased resistance to bolus flow across the pharyngoesophageal segment. These adverse biomechanical effects can be influenced by surgical techniques, providing surgeons with evidence for optimum pharyngeal closure following a laryngectomy to improve swallowing outcomes.