Background and aims: Tracheostomy is commonly performed in patients with a range of diseases. However, the relationship between tracheostomy and dysphagia remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to determine whether tracheostomy affects swallowing function and to explore the characteristics of tracheostomy-associated dysphagia.

Methods: We enrolled 56 patients with tracheostomy who successfully underwent decannulation and analyzed the results of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) before and after decannulation.

Results: After decannulation, significant improvements were observed in swelling of the arytenoid cartilage (P < 0.001), secretion accumulation (P < 0.001), laryngeal sensation (P < 0.001), and clearance ability (P < 0.001). Swallowing function also improved significantly after decannulation, as evidenced by reductions in pyriform sinus residue (P < 0.001), vallecula residue (P < 0.001), and Penetration–Aspiration Scale scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: In patients with neurogenic dysphagia undergoing tracheostomy, the presence of a tracheostomy tube may impair laryngeal sensory function and clearance, leading to increased accumulation of secretions and swelling of the arytenoid cartilage. Furthermore, tracheostomy may aggravate dysphagia, resulting in increased pharyngeal residue and a higher risk of aspiration.

Background and aims: Tracheostomy is commonly performed in patients with a range of diseases. However, the relationship between tracheostomy and dysphagia remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to determine whether tracheostomy affects swallowing function and to explore the characteristics of tracheostomy-associated dysphagia.

Methods: We enrolled 56 patients with tracheostomy who successfully underwent decannulation and analyzed the results of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) before and after decannulation.

Results: After decannulation, significant improvements were observed in swelling of the arytenoid cartilage (P < 0.001), secretion accumulation (P < 0.001), laryngeal sensation (P < 0.001), and clearance ability (P < 0.001). Swallowing function also improved significantly after decannulation, as evidenced by reductions in pyriform sinus residue (P < 0.001), vallecula residue (P < 0.001), and Penetration–Aspiration Scale scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: In patients with neurogenic dysphagia undergoing tracheostomy, the presence of a tracheostomy tube may impair laryngeal sensory function and clearance, leading to increased accumulation of secretions and swelling of the arytenoid cartilage. Furthermore, tracheostomy may aggravate dysphagia, resulting in increased pharyngeal residue and a higher risk of aspiration.