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Palliative surgery in patients with bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Author(s) -
Short Steven O.,
Hillel Allen D.
Publication year - 1989
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/hed.2880110414
Subject(s) - medicine , amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , dysphagia , bulbar palsy , aspiration pneumonia , laryngectomy , dysarthria , gastrostomy , swallowing , surgery , larynx , disease , pneumonia , radiology
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, commonly develop bulbar symptoms including dysphagia, dysarthria, and defective airway protection. Otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons are frequently asked to assist in the management of these problems. We reviewed our experience of 13 surgical procedures in 7 patients with advanced bulbar ALS. In spite of technically good surgery, 3 patients died within 1 week of hospitalization. Four patients appeared to benefit from the surgery. Patients with bulbar ALS are a high risk group because of chronic malnutrition and dehydration, covert aspiration and pneumonitis, and diminished ventilation. A team approach to these problems is stressed. Perioperative morbidity can be reduced with careful preoperative preparation and patient selection.