Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises improvement in patients after laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treatment

INTRODUCTION: The internal and external head and neck lymphedema is one of the consequences of surgical and radiation treatment of laryngopharyngeal cancer. The current task is to develop lymphatic drainage techniques that are effective for internal lymphedema. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate semi-occluded vocal tract exercises effectiveness for internal lymphedema rehabilitaion in patients with laryngopharyngeal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 64 patients with laryngopharyngeal cancer received radiation therapy in a single regime or as part of the combined treatment after surgery were included. All of them had internal lymphedema symptoms. Patients were stratified into 2 equal groups: group 1 was treated with conservative treatment. In group 2 semi-occluded vocal tract exercises were added to inhalation therapy. CONCLUSION: The application of exercises with semi-occlusion of the vocal tract in combination with local anti-inflammatory, mucolytic therapy demonstrates effectiveness in the comprehensive treatment of internal lymph-discharge ENT organs.