[Factors influencing pharynx' and pharyngoesophageal sphincter's morphology and their function after total laryngectomy].

The usefulness of the videolaryngoscopy in patients after total laryngectomy/laryngopharyngectomy was discussed. They serve for: a) evaluation of the pharynx and of the pharyngoesophageal sphincter (pes) morphology, b) prognosis of the esophageal speech developing. In the study videolaryngoscopy was done in 82 patients (7 female and 75 male). In 62 of them total laryngectomy was done (among them in 50/62--with standard pharynx suture, in 9/62--with the pes plasty, and 3/62--with simple pes myotomy). In 20 case of laryngopharyngectomies--4/20 standard pharynx suture was done, 12/20 were reconstructed with tongue flap, 3/20--with pes plasty, and in 1/20 simple myotomy was performed. The investigations were carried out between 1 to 36 months after total laryngectomy and 24 month after laryngopharyngectomy. The analysis of the videolaryngoscopy imagings revealed that the pharynx and pes morphology after laryngectomy/laryngopharyngectomy (shape, thickness of the mucose, weakened wall peristalsis, secretion retention, lack or presence of the pes relaxation at the time of examination) correlates with the rest pressure in the pes area, measured by Seeman's method and with the occurrence of the esophageal speech mastering. The most significant changes in morphology and function of the pharynx (irregular shape, weakened wall peristalsis, retention of secretion) as well as the highest pressure in the area (5.1 +/- 3.33 kPa-38 +/- 25 mm Hg) was found after pharyngolaryngectomy. The shape of the pharynx in all the patients after laryngectomy with plasty or simple myotomy of the pes was regular, with thin and smooth mucosa while the rest pressure was low (3.0 +/- 1.18 kPa(-)+/- 22.5 +/- 8.8 mm Hg). In the analyzed material at the rest pressure in the sphincter area from 0.7 to 4kPa (from 5 to 30 mm Hg), 93% (41/44) of the patients have mastered the esophageal speech. It was stressed that videolaryngoscopy is entirely sufficient for the approximate assessment of the rest pressure in the pes area and prognosis of the esophageal speech development process.