The definition of non-functional larynx
Patients were deemed to have non-functional larynx (NFL) if one of the
following criteria were met: 1) gastrostomy dependence >2
years since treatment 2) permanent tracheostomy 3) functional
laryngectomy and/or 4) chronic aspiration (defined as the presence of
aspiration on videofluoroscopy or fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of
swallow with associated recurrent chest infections).