Laryngotracheal separation surgery: outcome in 60 patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the outcome of laryngotracheal separation (LTS) in 60 patients in terms of the control and prevention of severe and persistent aspiration, morbidity and mortality, reversibility rate, and the influence of the presence of a tracheostomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

RESULTS

LTS showed significant efficacy rates in terms of both treatment (87%) and prevention (100%) of pulmonary aspiration. Twenty-six (43%) patients developed postoperative complications. A tracheocutaneous fistula of the proximal tracheal stump was observed in 14 (23%) patients and was the most frequent complication, especially in patients with a therapeutic indication (P = 0.028) and in those with a tracheostomy (P = 0.058). Reversion of LTS was possible in 12 (20%) patients, mainly those with a prophylactic indication (P = 0.005). However, the rates of complications (58%) and inefficacy (27%) of reversion surgery were high.

CONCLUSION

LTS is effective in the elimination and prevention of clinically intractable aspiration. The procedure is potentially reversible. However, the frequency of complications for both LTS and reversion surgery is significant.