Surgery for aspiration: analysis of laryngotracheal separation in 23 children.

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of laryngotracheal separation (LTS) in eliminating aspiration in children by comparing pre- and postoperative conditions. This prospective study used an internal control group. Children with neurologic impairment and a diagnosis of chronic aspiration were subjected to LTS at the Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente (AACD). Twenty-three children had undergone LTS with the modified Lindeman technique. All of them gained complete control of aspiration. Frequency of hospitalization, number of respiratory infections, and level of secretion were statistically reduced. After surgery only 21.7% of the children were capable of oral intake exclusively. LTS is an effective and safe technique that can be used in children resulting in aspiration control in 100% of the patients and without repercussions in the respiratory secretion and pulmonary infections.