[Swallowing Disorders in Tracheo(s)tomized Patients]

Abstract

Objective Since many years it has been conjectured that tracheotomy/tracheostomy interferes with swallowing and leads to a higher risk of aspiration. The aim of this review was to contribute to the discussion whether there is a causal relationship between tracheotomy/tracheostomy and dysphagia or only a chronological concomitance. Material and Methods Citations for this review rest upon a research in PubMed data base of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Results Effects of tracheostomy/tracheotomy as well as effects of different cannulas on motoric and sensory aspects of deglutition have been reviewed. Most papers focused on aspiration. Reported data were extremely heterogeneous. Finally no causal relationship between tracheotomy and dysphagia could be demonstrated. Conclusions Tracheo(s)tomized patients require a special awareness in respect to concomitant dysphagia. However, swallowing problems are considered to be primarily caused rather by underlying diseases than by the existence of the tracheostomy itself.