Recovery Related to Vocalization and Swallowing After Tracheostomy

Abstract

Tracheostomy refers to a surgical incision created in the neck to allow direct air entry into the trachea bypassing the upper respiratory tract including the oral and nasal cavities. Normal vocalization and swallowing are limited immediately postoperatively; however, gradual recovery of vocalization and swallowing function can be initiated, following improvement in the causative condition that necessitated the tracheostomy. Duration of the tracheostomy depends upon the patient’s condition, and the degree of vocalization and swallowing function recovery after tracheostomy tube removal varies widely across patients. In this review, we investigated the changes associated with vocalization and swallowing function in patients who underwent tracheostomy and have discussed the various approaches and voice rehabilitation treatments to aid with normal recovery.