Background and Objectives : The effects of airflow cessation on the human nasal mucosa can be conveniently studied in laryngectomees and the blood flow to nasal mucosa is an important factor in maintaining normal nasal function. Therefore, we
investigated the changes in nasal mucosa blood flow after a total laryngectomy with laser Doppler flowmetry. Materials and Method : Twenty-four laryngectomees were studied and compared with 35 normal volunteers. Among 24 total laryngectomees, 9
were
esophageal speakers. The laser Doppler flowmetry was performed using a Periflux 4001 (Perimed, Jrtlla, Sweden) and Perfusion unit (PU), Velocity unit (VU), and Concentration Unit (CU) were measured. The laser Doppler flowmetry data in the
laryngectomees
were compared with those of the normal subjects, and between the esophageal and non-esophageal speakers. Results : The difference between laryngectomees and normal subjects was statistically significant with the exception of the CU (p<0.05).
Furthermore, no correlations were found between blood flow and age, and between blood flow and postoperative duration. The difference between esophageal speakers and non-esophageal speakers was statistically significant with the exception of the
level
of concentration (p<0.05). Conclusion : The nasal blood flow decreased after a total laryngectomy. When airflow improved, an increases in the level of blood flow was recorded. And the change of the nasal blood flow most likely occured within the
first
year after a total laryngectomy.
|