Indications for the tracheoesophageal diversion procedure and the laryngotracheal separation procedure.

Impaired protective function of the larynx can lead to intractable aspiration, a severe and potentially fatal disorder. If medical therapy fails to prevent intractable aspiration, surgical separation of the upper respiratory tract from the digestive tract is necessary to prevent recurrent contamination of the respiratory system in these patients. Two such surgical procedures are the tracheoesophageal diversion procedure and the laryngotracheal separation procedure. Our approach to patients with intractable aspiration and the indications for the use of these surgical procedures for the prevention of aspiration are discussed.