Abstract
Objective: The function of the Eustachian tube has been investigated in various conditions. However, its status has not been evaluated in total laryngectomized patients. This study was designed to investigate short- and long-term changes of the Eustachian tube that occur following total laryngectomy.
Method: We enrolled 53 total laryngectomy patients. These patients were divided into 2 groups (within 2 years and more than 2 years after surgery). Fifty-one healthy volunteers were studied as a control. The functions of the Eustachian tube were evaluated using the P1(resting), P2 (Toynbee maneuver), and P3 (Valsalva maneuver) tympanometric measurement.
Results: All groups were evaluated using intergroup comparisons in terms of right-side Eustachian tube functions. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of P2, P1-P2, Pmax-Pmin values (respectively, P = .329, P = .474, P = .487). All groups were evaluated using intergroup comparisons in terms of left-side Eustachian tube functions. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of P2, P1-P2, Pmax-Pmin values (respectively, P = .562, P = .400, P = .151).
Conclusion: We determined that the functions of Eustachian tubes were not different between the patients who underwent total laryngectomy and the healthy volunteers. The lack of active airflow in the upper respiratory tract following total laryngectomy has no effect on the function of the Eustachian tube in the short and long term.
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