Abstract
A tracheostoma has an adverse effect on the swallowing function. This study compared the swallowing function before and after the manual occlusion of a tracheostoma without a tracheostomy tube. Eight patients with tracheotomas underwent videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). The swallowing reflex improved in each case after the occlusion of the tracheostoma, because laryngeal penetration of pharyngeal secretions could decrease due to the airflow through larynx. Although the aspiration status did not significantly change, the pharyngeal clearance tended to improve, because the subglottic pressure was maintained and the hypopharyngeal swallowing pressure could effectively act on the esophagus.
