[Perfusion manometry in the evaluation of postoperative swallowing function following various reconstructive procedures of the upper aero-digestive tract].

BACKGROUND

The swallowing function can be restored after large oncologic resections in the upper aerodigestive tract with microvascular anastomosed transplants.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

With the help of the perfusion manometry we would like to demonstrate the functional advantages of this reconstruction method. We examined three reconstructed regions: tongue with 15 patients, soft palate with 11 patients, and the laryngeal and pharyngeal complex after total laryngopharyngectomy with 17 patients.

RESULTS

Patients with reconstructed tongue or soft palate reached 69% or 74% of their pressure compared to normal values.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that although normal pressure values were not reached after reconstruction of large defects with microvascular anastomosed transplants; these reconstruction methods restored the pressure gradient essential for swallowing, with a higher pressure of the soft palate and a lower pressure of the base of tongue.