Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:title>Objectives:</jats:title><jats:p> We describe the role of the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST) in the rehabilitation of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia after partial laryngectomy. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods:</jats:title><jats:p> Ten patients with a mean age of 64 years (range, 45 to 72 years) were included in the study. Seven patients underwent supraglottic laryngectomy, and 3 had supracricoid laryngectomy. Six patients underwent additional radiotherapy (RT), and 8 had functional neck dissection (ND). FEESST was performed on each patient in order to establish a swallowing rehabilitation program. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results:</jats:title><jats:p> In 2 patients, not submitted to either ND or RT, the LAR was preserved; in 6 patients, who underwent both procedures, the LAR was delayed or absent. In 2 patients who underwent ND but not RT, the LAR was preserved in 1 case and delayed in the other. The patients with an absent LAR presented severe aspiration, whereas in those with a preserved LAR, no penetration was found. Moderate aspiration was found in the remaining patients. In the patients with a reduced or absent LAR, tactile and chemical sensory stimulation was added to the rehabilitation program. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions:</jats:title><jats:p> FEESST represents a useful tool in everyday clinical practice for the planning of swallowing rehabilitation after partial laryngectomy. </jats:p></jats:sec>