Triple-layer laryngeal closure for intractable aspiration

Abstract

Impaired laryngeal protective function can result in intractable aspiration, which causes recurrent life-threatening pneumonia. Several surgical operations have been developed to treat intractable aspiration. In this case, we report a successful case of triple-layer laryngeal closure, which was performed in a patient with type II diabetes mellitus and nutritional failure due to intractable aspiration that had been caused by several stroke attacks. Triple-layer laryngeal closure is a unique modified technique that combines laryngotracheal separation and glottic closure operations. The method that we performed can be done more safely in patients who have higher post-operative and general anaesthesia risks.