Anatomy of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

Anatomy of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

The adjacent photos depict normal anatomy of breathing and ingestion.

Both tracheostomy and laryngectomy can change how both of these processes work however they do so in different ways.

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Tracheostomy versus Laryngectomy

Tracheostomy

An incision is made through the anterior neck into the trachea (windpipe).

The connection to both the upper airway (mouth, throat larynx) and lower airway (lungs) remains intact.

Indications for tracheostomy:

  • Prolonged ventilation
  • Airway stenosis
  • Airway obstruction caused by swelling or tumor
  • Pulmonary toilet
  • Neurologic disease

Laryngectomy

The entire larynx is removed.

The upper airway (mouth, throat) is then sewn to the esophagus for ingestion pathway.

 The lower airway is completely disconnected from the mouth/throat. Tracheal stoma is then created and matured to the lower neck. This is why these patients are sometimes referred to as “neck breathers.”

Indications for laryngectomy:

  • Advanced laryngeal cancer
  • Recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiation treatment
  • Non functional larynx (chronic aspiration)

Anatomic Differences Matching Quiz

1 / 2

Select all of the anatomic differences are present in a Tracheostomy patient.

2 / 2

Select all of the anatomic differences are present in a Laryngectomy patient.

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Lesson 6: Case Based Learning