Beware of aspiration after laryngeal cancer surgery

Aspiration is a common complication after laryngeal cancer surgery, and patients should pay attention to it to avoid irreversible consequences. Aspiration is common after partial laryngectomy, supraglottic horizontal laryngectomy, and cricoepiglottic hyoid anastomosis. The supraglottic structure of the larynx has the function of protecting the airway and preventing aspiration during swallowing.

After laryngeal cancer surgery, the normal anatomy of the pharynx is destroyed. When the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, ventricular bands, arytenoid cartilages, cricoarytenoid joints and related nerves, muscles and ligaments are removed, the laryngeal entrance structure becomes dysfunctional, the swallowing function changes, and long-term catheterization relaxes the cardia sphincter. The pharyngeal secretions and esophageal reflux fluid will be inhaled into the trachea without any obstruction, causing choking and coughing symptoms. Aspiration pneumonia may even occur. The patient's sudden cough, tachycardia and dyspnea are all symptoms of aspiration.

Severe aspiration can prevent the patient from recovering normal swallowing function for a long time and may also cause lung infection, pneumonia or even lung abscess, which will bring certain difficulties to the treatment of the primary disease and affect the recovery process. For mild aspiration, the aspiration may disappear on its own when the natural protection mechanism of swallowing gradually forms a compensatory function.

In short, aspiration will have adverse effects on the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Patients should pay more attention to it and take appropriate measures immediately once it occurs.

Tips: Classification of aspiration

Grade 0: no symptoms;

Level 1: Mild coughing when eating or drinking, which disappears in a short time after proper training;

Level 2: Coughing occurs when swallowing saliva, and the symptoms worsen when taking food or water. The patient needs to inflate the endotracheal tube with an air bag before taking food or water.

Level 3: Severe choking and coughing, aspiration has caused lung complications.