The effects on the human nasal mucosa of airflow cessation can be studied conveniently in the laryngectomy patient. We studied 39 laryngectomy patients and 50 healthy adults. Mucociliary clearance was measured using the saccharin test, ciliary beat frequency (CBF) analyzed in inferior meatal brushings and transmission electron microscopical observations made in similar nasal brushings. Mucociliary clearance was no faster in laryngectomees (mean 15.4 +/- 7.8 min); however, CBF was higher in the laryngectomees (means 15.0 and 14.1 Hz; p less than 0.05), especially in the first weeks after surgery (mean 16.8 Hz; p less than 0.01). Mucus-producing cells gradually decreased in proportion over the first postoperative year. The changes in the nasal mucosa after airflow cessation are dynamic and require months to equilibrate. This has implications for the timing of postoperative assessment of patients undergoing airway surgery.