Supracricoid laryngectomy and dysphagia: A systematic literature review

Objectives/Hypothesis Perform a systematic literature search to provide an overview of today's literature regarding the different aspects that can cause dysphagia after supracricoid laryngectomy. Study Design A systematic literature review. Review Methods The inclusion criteria were laryngeal cancer, supracricoid laryngectomy, and swallowing. Thirty-one qualifying articles were included and analyzed describing swallowing after supracricoid laryngectomy. Results Included studies examined the incidence of dysphagia and discussed various factors that will or will not contribute to dysphagia after supracricoid laryngectomy, type of reconstruction, swallow training, radiation, arytenoid cartilage resection, extended procedures, and age. Conclusion A high incidence of dysphagia was reported after supracricoid laryngectomy. However, good recovery rates were observed with low incidence of severe complications. The included studies used different methods and standards to start oral intake, remove the nasogastric feeding tube, and observe swallow function. Homogenous study population and standardized guidelines on how to handle the pre- and postoperative course after supracricoid laryngectomy and how to measure swallow function could improve further research.