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High incidence of gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux after total laryngectomy
Author(s) -
Smit Conrad F.,
Tan Joep,
MathusVliegen Lisbeth M. H.,
Devriese Pieter P.,
Brandsen Marc,
Grolman Wilko,
Schouwenburg Paul F.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199810)20:7<619::aid-hed7>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - reflux , medicine , laryngectomy , supine position , incidence (geometry) , reflux esophagitis , swallowing , surgery , larynx , disease , physics , optics
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. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 20: 619–622, 1998.