Swallowing after major surgery of the oral cavity or oropharynx: a prospective and longitudinal assessment of patients treated by microvascular soft tissue reconstruction.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to analyze swallowing outcome in advanced oral/oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with microvascular reconstructive surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

METHODS:

Eighty patients were included. Patient, tumor, and treatment factors were assessed. Postoperative videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) and scintigraphy tests were performed at 6 (n = 54 vs 44) and 12 (n = 32 vs 37) months. Swallowing parameters such as the oropharyngeal swallow efficiency and the Penetration/Aspiration Scale were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Impaired swallowing status was found at 6 months, which remained stationary at 12 months. Comorbid condition, larger tumors (T3-T4 vs T2), and resections of the base of tongue and soft palate combined (vs defects of other dynamic structures) were associated with most profound swallowing problems (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Swallowing difficulties are relatively frequent and can to a large extent be predicted. With the knowledge of this study, better counseling and vigilance as to swallowing difficulties may be possible.

• Authors: Pepijn A Borggreven, Irma Verdonck-de Leeuw, Rico N Rinkel, Johannes A Langendijk, Jan C Roos, Eric F L David, Remco de Bree, C René Leemans
• Journal: Head & neck (Head Neck) Vol. 29 Issue 7 Pg. 638-47 (Jul 2007) ISSN: 1043-3074 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17274054 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (pathology, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Comorbidity
• Deglutition Disorders (etiology)
• Female
• Fluoroscopy
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Neoplasms (pathology, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Oropharyngeal Neoplasms (pathology, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Palate, Soft (surgery)
• Postoperative Complications
• Prospective Studies
• Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
• Tongue (surgery)
• Video Recording