Neoglottic reconstruction following total laryngectomy.

Aspiration of saliva and food and postoperative stenosis of the shunt are not infrequent among laryngectomized patients who have undergone surgery for voice rehabilitation. A new technique for neoglottic reconstruction has been developed to overcome these complications. A neoglottis was created from the upper-tracheal rings to prevent postoperative stenosis and was also made to protrude into the esophagus, in order to prevent aspiration. This procedure has been performed on eight patients, seven of whom are speaking well and have no aspiration. Their speech is superior to esophageal speech when judged on the basis of duration and intelligibility. In one case, however, the neoglottis had to be closed because of aspiration.