Efficacy of Swallowing Training Combined with Nutritional Intervention on Quality of Life in Laryngeal Cancer Patients with Dysphagia

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of swallowing training combined with nutritional intervention on quality of life in laryngeal cancer patients with dysphagia. Patients and Methods: A total of 66 patients who suffered from laryngeal cancer with dysphagia were selected and divided into control group (CG) and intervention group (IG), each of 33, according to random number tables. Both groups received total laryngectomy and prophylactic radiotherapy and were given routine health counseling and swallowing training, while intervention group was additionally provided with nutritional intervention. To evaluate all patients with Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Examination (VFSE), Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment on Nutritional Status (PG-SGA), and Quality of Life Questionnaire-core 30 (QLQ-c30) after radiotherapy and three months after. Results: VFSE, PG-SGA, QLQ-c 30 scores after swallowing training in IG were significantly greater than data collected instantly before swallowing training in IG and those collected after swallowing training in CG (P<.05). VFSE score after swallowing training in CG was significantly greater than data collected instantly before swallowing training (P<.05). Difference between before and after swallowing training on VFSE, PG-SGA, and QLQ-c 30 scores in IG were statistically significant greater than those of CG (P<.05). Conclusion: Swallowing training combined with nutritional intervention can improve swallowing function, nutritional status and quality of life in laryngeal cancer patients with dysphagia.