Videoflouroscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Glossectomy

Abstract

Objective: The swallowing deficits that result from oral or oropharyngeal resections vary considerably depending on the site, extension of the resection, and type of reconstruction. Most patients will experience some degree of dysphagia despite the reconstructive effort. Method: A prospective evaluation of 16 glossectomy patients (15 men and 1 woman), aged 40 to 60 years, who underwent glossectomy with reconstruction were volunteers in this study. Tumor stages were T1 in 1 patient, T2 in 8 patients, T3 in 5 patients, T4 in 2 patients, and node. Results: Patients who underwent a total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation had an increase in oral transit time and stasis of food in the oral cavity, the pharynx. Patients who underwent a partial glossectomy (lateral border of tongue involvement only) had difficulties with formation and antero-posterior propulsion of the bolus in the oral cavity. The stasis in the oral cavity/valleculae and oral transit delay was comparatively less and was evident only with materials of thicker consistencies. All patients benefited from rehabilitative and compensatory swallowing maneuvers. Conclusion: Video-fluoroscopic analysis of swallowing could characterize swallowing dysfunction in patients who underwent a glossectomy with flap reconstruction. Videoflouroscopic analysis of swallowing is not only a mere diagnostic tool but also a prognostic tool. Appropriate swallowing intervention benefited the patients in regaining swallowing function.