The prevention of post-laryngectomy olfactory mucosa degeneration Prevencija degeneracije olfaktorne sluznice nakon totalne laringektomije

medicina fluminensis 2016, Vol. 52, No. 1, p. 43-48 43 Abstract. Olfactory rehabilitation after a laryngectomy is based on establishing nasal airflow to allow odorant molecules to come into contact with the olfactory mucosa. Currently, the polite yawning technique (PYT) is the gold standard for post-laryngectomy olfactory rehabilitation, but it is usually introduced in patient’s rehabilitation programs one month after the surgery. To prevent loss of valuable time and pathophysiological changes of the nasal and olfactory mucosa, a new device was developed, named the LaryScent. The timely establishment of nasal air flow with LaryScent would prevent histopathological changes and facilitate regenerative processes in olfactory mucosa.