Three patients with neurodegenerative diseases who had developed repeated aspiration pneumonia underwent laryngeal closure, a surgical procedure at the larynx to prevent aspiration. None of these patients have developed aspiration pneumonia since the procedure. One patient needed endoscopic suction and cough assist machine to clear thick sputum, because tracheostomy bypassed the upper airway and so prevented moisturization of inhaled air. While two patients achieved freedom from tracheal cannulation, one needed continued cannulation because of narrowing of the stoma due to improvements in the nutritional condition. One patient was able to resume oral intake. Although the right timing to perform the procedure and optimal care along with long-term observation are important, laryngeal closure is an effective option for patients with neurodegenerative diseases to prevent recurrent aspiration pneumonia.
Keywords: aspiration pneumonia; laryngeal closure; neurodegenerative disease; surgery to prevent aspiration.