Closure of laryngotracheal cavity and tracheostomy for intractable aspiration secondary to radiation encephalopathy or radiation damage of cranial nerve after radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Closure of the laryngotracheal cavity and tracheostomy is especially suitable for intractable aspiration secondary to radiation encephalopathy or damage of cranial nerve after radiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical value, technique, indications and contraindications of closure of the laryngotracheal cavity and tracheostomy for intractable aspiration secondary to radiation encephalopathy (REP) or radiation damage of cranial nerve after radiotherapy of NPC.


METHODS
Thirty patients, suffering from intractable aspiration secondary to radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, were treated with closure of the laryngotracheal cavity and tracheostomy and were observed for at least 1 year.


RESULTS
Intractable aspiration and dyspnea were completely eradicated in all patients. The quality of their life was greatly improved.
Qu
Shenhong
S
Hospital of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. qsh-doctor@163.com
Su
Zhengzhong
Z
He
Xiaoguang
X
Li
Min
M
Li
Tianying
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D053120:Respiratory Aspiration / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*; D014139:Tracheostomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome