Abstract
Objective: 1) Evaluate the effectiveness of laryngotracheal separation (LTS) for pediatric neurological impaired patients from a viewpoint of postoperative improvement of respiratory condition and swallowing function. 2) Evaluate the effectiveness of LTS from a viewpoint of postoperative improvement of the burden on the caregiver.
Method: Study design: prospective. From September 2004 to December 2010, nineteen children underwent LTS. The effectiveness of LTS and postoperative improvement of QOL on patients and caregivers were evaluated by the questionnaire for caregivers. The questionnaire included frequency of suction, frequency of aspiration pneumonia, methods of food intake, and postoperative complications.
Results: After the laryngotracheal separation, frequency of suction decreased significantly (Wilcoxon t-test). The episodes of aspiration pneumonia and respiratory disorders were well controlled after operation. The burden on the caregiver was reduced. There were no significant complications of laryngotracheal separation. There were two episodes of laryngocutaneous fistules.
Conclusion: Laryngotracheal separation can prevent the neurologically impaired children from aspiration pneumonia and provide higher QOL. Also, laryngotracheal separation provides a higher QOL for the caregiver of the neurologically impaired child.
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