Surgical approaches to aspiration.

Impaired laryngeal protective function can result in intractable aspiration. Surgery to separate the upper digestive tract from the respiratory tract is often necessary in cases of intractable aspiration to prevent recurrent bronchopulmonary contamination and resultant complications, including death. The common surgical techniques for the prevention of intractable aspiration are presented. The results of each procedure for aspiration prevention and reversibility are compared. The advantages and disadvantages of each surgical technique are discussed.