DYNAMIC RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING FOLLOWING TOTAL LARYNGECTOMY

Cinepharyngoesophograms of the pharynx were obtained in 51 patients af ter total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma. The radiological f indings were correlated with operative reports and follow-up findings in 47 patients. Postoperative anatomic changes were well-demonstrated radiographically. A spectrum of radiographic findings were observed an d included narrowing at the superior surgical closure site in 52% and pseudodiverticula in 47% of all patients. Cricopharyngeal prominence w as observed in 15%, fistulae in 10%, and pharyngeal pouches in 6% of a ll cases. Increased retropharyngeal soft tissue thickness was not foun d to be indicative of tumor recurrence. We conclude that cineradiograp hy is a useful method for demonstrating both functional and structural changes following laryngectomy for carcinoma.