High incidence of gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux after total laryngectomy.
BACKGROUND
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) appears to be related to laryngeal carcinoma. Little is known about GER and gastropharyngeal reflux (GPR) in the laryngectomized patient. Therefore, GER and GPR were studied in laryngectomized patients.


METHODS
In 11 patients, 24-hour double-probe pH monitoring was performed in an ambulant setting. An optic fiberscope was used for the accurate positioning of the proximal probe in the upper esophageal sphincter.


RESULTS
In 9 of 11 patients pathologic GPR was found. Four of these 9 patients had reflux in upright and supine position, 5 patients had reflux only in upright position.


CONCLUSIONS
A high incidence of GPR in laryngectomized patients was found. These results raise the question whether all laryngectomized patients should be investigated for reflux and in the presence of pathologic reflux findings should be treated with reflux prophylaxis.
Smit
C F
CF
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Tan
J
J
Mathus-Vliegen
L M
LM
Devriese
P P
PP
Brandsen
M
M
Grolman
W
W
Schouwenburg
P F
PF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002812:Chondroma / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications