Examination of swallowing after total laryngectomy using manofluorography

Investigation of postlaryngectomy dysphagia is usually limited to the standard barium swallow. Manofluorography (mano, manometry; fluoro, videofluoroscopy; graphy, picture) is a new technique that permits analysis of simultaneous manometry and videofluoroscopy of deglutition. Manofluorography provides more detailed analysis of the swallowing dynamics during the pharyngeal stage of deglutition than either barium studies or manometry used alone. This study uses manofluorography to examine swallowing in two patient groups, total laryngectomees and total laryngectomees with tongue impairment, to analyze the role of various anatomic components in the swallowing process. Pharyngeal transit times were prolonged in both patient groups studied, with the tongue impairment group exhibiting the longest times. The postlaryngectomy pharynx offered greater resistance to bolus flow. The laryngectomy patients compensated by using increased lingual propulsion, whereas the patients with tongue impairment and total laryngectomy could not. This emphasizes the importance of the tongue in bolus propulsion in the pharynx. Other postoperative changes in swallowing are discussed.     

The incidence and mechanisms of pharyngeal and upper esophageal dysfunction in partially paralyzed humans: pharyngeal videoradiography and simultaneous manometry after atracurium

BACKGROUND: Residual neuromuscular block caused by vecuronium alters pharyngeal function and impairs airway protection. The primary objectives of this investigation were to radiographically evaluate the swallowing act and to record the incidence of and the mechanism behind pharyngeal dysfunction during partial neuromuscular block. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of atracurium on pharyngeal function. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers were studied while awake during liquid-contrast bolus swallowing. The incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction was studied by fluoroscopy. The initiation of the swallowing process, the pharyngeal coordination, and the bolus transit time were evaluated. Simultaneous manometry was used to document pressure changes at the tongue base, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, and the upper esophageal sphincter. After control recordings, an intravenous infusion of atracurium was administered to obtain train-of-four ratios (T4/T1) of 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80, followed by recovery to a train-of-four ratio of more than 0.90. RESULTS: The incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction was 6% during the control recordings and increased (P < 0.05) to 28%, 17%, and 20% at train-of-four ratios 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80, respectively. After recovery to a train-of-four ratio of more than 0.90, the incidence was 13%. Pharyngeal dysfunction occurred in 74 of 444 swallows, the majority (80%) resulting in laryngeal penetration. The initiation of the swallowing reflex was impaired during partial paralysis (P = 0.0081). The pharyngeal coordination was impaired at train-of-four ratios of 0.60 and 0.70 (P < 0.01). A marked reduction in the upper esophageal sphincter resting tone was found, as well as a reduced contraction force in the pharyngeal constrictor muscles. The bolus transit time did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Partial neuromuscular paralysis caused by atracurium is associated with a four- to fivefold increase in the incidence of misdirected swallowing. The mechanism behind the pharyngeal dysfunction is a delayed initiation of the swallowing reflex, impaired pharyngeal muscle function, and impaired coordination. The majority of misdirected swallows resulted in penetration of bolus to the larynx.     

The Incidence and Mechanisms of Pharyngeal and Upper Esophageal Dysfunction in Partially Paralyzed Humans: Pharyngeal Videoradiography and Simultaneous Manometry after Atracurium

Background: Residual neuromuscular block caused by vecuronium alters pharyngeal function and impairs airway protection. The primary objectives of this investigation were to radiographically evaluate the swallowing act and to record the incidence of and the mechanism behind pharyngeal dysfunction during partial neuromuscular block. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of atracurium on pharyngeal function.

Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were studied while awake during liquid-contrast bolus swallowing. The incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction was studied by fluoroscopy. The initiation of the swallowing process, the pharyngeal coordination, and the bolus transit time were evaluated. Simultaneous manometry was used to document pressure changes at the tongue base, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, and the upper esophageal sphincter. After control recordings, an intravenous infusion of atracurium was administered to obtain train-of-four ratios (T4/T1) of 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80, followed by recovery to a train-of-four ratio of more than 0.90.

Results: The incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction was 6% during the control recordings and increased (P < 0.05) to 28%, 17%, and 20% at train-of-four ratios 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80, respectively. After recovery to a train-of-four ratio of more than 0.90, the incidence was 13%. Pharyngeal dysfunction occurred in 74 of 444 swallows, the majority (80%) resulting in laryngeal penetration. The initiation of the swallowing reflex was impaired during partial paralysis (P = 0.0081). The pharyngeal coordination was impaired at train-of-four ratios of 0.60 and 0.70 (P < 0.01). A marked reduction in the upper esophageal sphincter resting tone was found, as well as a reduced contraction force in the pharyngeal constrictor muscles. The bolus transit time did not change significantly.     

Functional restoration after subtotal glossectomy and laryngectomy

Extensive resection of carcinoma that involves the tongue base and supraglottic larynx is accompanied by significant potential morbidity and mortality. This is often indicated by poor rates of cure and the limited palliation afforded by radiotherapy alone. Removal of a significant portion of the posterior tongue frequently results in intractable aspiration. Techniques in reconstruction of the oropharyngeal defect and tongue base have included primary closure, random flaps, and myocutaneous flaps. Each of these techniques has been successful, to some degree, in resurfacing pharyngeal defects. However, the functional results in regard to deglutition are less than satisfactory as a result of aspiration. Frequently, simultaneous or delayed total laryngectomy is performed to deal with the pulmonary complications. Various types of laryngoplasty do not uniformly correct the problems of aspiration and deglutition associated with subtotal glossectomy. Our experience includes eight patients who had advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base, vallecula, and the supraglottic larynx. All patients underwent partial or subtotal glossectomy and laryngectomy. The mucosal defect was reconstructed with pectoralis myocutaneous flap. In order to reestablish voice, a primary tracheopharyngeal shunt was created with the use of a portion of cricoid and upper trachea. The majority of these patients have had successful rehabilitation of deglutition, mastication, and speech.     

Impact of tongue base and posterior pharyngeal wall biomechanics on pharyngeal clearance in irradiated postsurgical oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Postsurgical oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients may experience pharyngeal clearance problems after completion of postoperative radiotherapy. METHODS: Swallowing was examined in six patients using videofluoroscopy for up to 1 year after surgery. Biomechanical analysis was used to mark movement of the tongue base and posterior pharyngeal wall during swallowing. RESULTS: The majority of patients experienced increased problems with pharyngeal clearance at or after their 6 month posthealing evaluation, generally 18 to 22 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. Pharyngeal residue was associated with a disruption in either tongue base or posterior pharyngeal wall movement. CONCLUSIONS: Increased fibrosis of the pharyngeal musculature after completion of radiotherapy may have a negative impact on pharyngeal clearance in addition to any pharyngeal clearance problems resulting from surgical resection. Tongue base to posterior pharyngeal wall contact is essential but not sufficient for effective pharyngeal clearance. Sufficient duration of tongue base to posterior pharyngeal wall contact is also needed to provide adequate pharyngeal bolus driving pressure.     

Laryngopharyngeal sensory deficits as a predictor of aspiration

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates whether patients with severe sensory deficits in the hypopharynx are at increased risk for aspiration and determines the relationship between pharyngeal muscular weakness and hypopharyngeal sensory deficits. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Forty patients with dysphagia who underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing were prospectively divided into 2 groups. One group included patients with severe sensory deficits determined by an absent laryngeal adductor reflex and the other with normal sensitivity. Subjects were given liquid and puree consistencies and were evaluated for aspiration as well as pharyngeal muscle contraction. RESULTS: The differences in incidence of aspiration and pharyngeal muscular weakness between the 2 groups were significant (P < 0.001 Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: There is a strong association between motor function deficits and hypopharyngeal sensory deficits. SIGNIFICANCE: The association of sensory loss and motor deficits together with the use of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing can predict those patients who are at highest risk for aspiration.     

Effects of maneuvers on swallowing function in a dysphagic oral cancer patient

This study examined the effects of three swallow maneuvers: (1) the supraglottic swallow (voluntary closure of the vocal folds prior to the swallow); (2) the super-supraglottic swallow (airway closure at the level of the arytenoid to base of epiglottis); and (3) the Mendelsohn maneuver (voluntary prolongation of laryngeal elevation and cricopharyngeal opening during swallow) on swallow functioning in a 47-year-old patient who underwent right composite resection for a squamous cell carcinoma of the right retromolar trigone. All maneuvers were employed during the same videofluorographic (VFG) swallow study conducted 6 months after the patient's surgery. Biomechanical analysis of 3-mL swallows defined the extent and timing of tongue base retraction to the posterior pharyngeal wall, laryngeal elevation, laryngeal closure and cricopharyngeal opening during swallows with and without maneuvers. Airway closure duration was prolonged during supraglottic and super-supraglottic swallows, but aspiration was not eliminated. Use of the Mendelsohn maneuver improved coordination and timing of pharyngeal swallow events, including timing of posterior movement of the tongue base to the pharyngeal wall in relation to airway closure and cricopharyngeal opening, with elimination of aspiration. The Mendelsohn maneuver compensated for anatomic and physiologic changes in the oropharyngeal swallow and enabled reinstatement of safe oral intake in this surgically treated head and neck cancer patient who was previously unable to take nutrition orally.     

Can a fluoroscopic estimation of pharyngeal constriction predict aspiration?

BACKGROUND: The pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR) is a ratio of pharyngeal area measured in lateral fluoroscopic view at the point of maximum pharyngeal constriction during the swallow to the pharyngeal area measured with the bolus held in the oral cavity. We hypothesize that the PCR may represent a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the PCR and aspiration. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Data from a computerized clinical database of individuals undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow evaluation at a tertiary academic swallowing center was acquired. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty videofluoroscopic studies were abstracted. The mean PCR was 0.32 (+/- 0.02) for individuals who aspirated and 0.20 (+/- 0.02) for individuals who did not (P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the PCR was significantly associated with the prevalence of aspiration (P < 0.01). Individuals with a PCR greater than 0.25 were 3 times more likely to aspirate (95% CI = 1.7, 5.1). CONCLUSIONS: The pharyngeal constriction ratio is associated with the presence of aspiration on fluoroscopy. Before the PCR can be used as a surrogate measure of pharyngeal constriction, correlation with pharyngeal manometry will be necessary. SIGNIFICANCE: The pharyngeal constriction ratio is associated with the presence of aspiration on fluoroscopy. EBM rating: B-3b.     

Pharyngeal function and airway protection during subhypnotic concentrations of propofol, isoflurane, and sevoflurane: volunteers examined by pharyngeal videoradiography and simultaneous manometry.

BACKGROUND: Anesthetic agents alter pharyngeal function with risk of impaired airway protection and aspiration. This study was performed to evaluate pharyngeal function during subhypnotic concentrations of propofol, isoflurane, and sevoflurane and to compare the drugs for possible differences in this respect. METHODS: Forty-five healthy volunteers were randomized to receive propofol, isoflurane, or sevoflurane. During series of liquid contrast bolus swallowing, fluoroscopy and simultaneous solid state videomanometry was used to study the incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction, the initiation of swallowing, and the bolus transit time. Pressure changes were recorded at the back of the tongue, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles, and the upper esophageal sphincter. After control recordings, the anesthetic was delivered, and measurements were made at 0.50 and 0.25 predicted blood propotol concentration (Cp50(asleep)) for propofol and 0.50 and 0.25 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)(awake) for the inhalational agents. Final recordings were made 20 min after the end of anesthetic delivery. RESULTS: All anesthetics caused an increased incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction with laryngeal bolus penetration. Propofol increased the incidence from 8 to 58%, isoflurane from 4 to 36%, and sevoflurane from 6 to 35%. Propofol in 0.50 and 0.25 Cp50(asleep) had the most extensive effect on the pharyngeal contraction patterns (P < 0.05). The upper esophageal sphincter resting tone was markedly reduced from 83 +/- 36 to 39 +/- 19 mmHg by propofol (P < 0.001), which differed from isoflurane (P = 0.03). Sevoflurane also reduced the upper esophageal sphincter resting tone from 65 +/- 16 to 45 +/- 18 mmHg at 0.50 MAC(awake)(P = 0.008). All agents caused a reduced upper esophageal sphincter peak contraction amplitude (P < 0.05), and the reduction was greatest in the propofol group (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Subhypnotic concentrations of propofol, isoflurane, and sevoflurane cause an increased incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction with penetration of bolus to the larynx. The effect on the pharyngeal contraction pattern was most pronounced in the propofol group, with markedly reduced contraction forces.     

The effect of bolus consistency on dysphagia in unilateral vocal cord paralysis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk of aspiration for liquid versus paste bolus consistencies in patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP). METHODS: The swallowing function of adult patients with UVCP was prospectively studied videofluorographically to examine the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration for both liquid and paste boluses. The degree of penetration or aspiration was quantified using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS). The presence and location of pharyngeal bolus residue were also documented for each consistency. Results were compared between liquid and paste bolus consistencies. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients with UVCP were studied with a mean age of 60.2 years. Intrathoracic surgery or malignancy accounted for 38 (69.1%) of cases. The mean PAS scores for liquid and paste bolus consistency were 3.1 vs. 1.5, respectively (P < 0.001). The liquid bolus penetrated in 19 (34.5%) patients and was aspirated in 11 (20%) patients. In contrast, the paste bolus penetrated in 12 (21.8%) cases and was aspirated in 0 cases (P < 0.001). Pharyngeal residue was more likely to occur at the base of the tongue or vallecula for the paste bolus consistency versus the liquid bolus. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of patients with UVCP will aspirate thin liquids. Paste bolus consistencies are safer for patients with UVCP as they are much less likely to lead to penetration or aspiration despite a higher prevalence of pharyngeal residue.     

Swallow recovery in an oral cancer patient following surgery,radiotherapy, and hyperthermia

Background. No study has examined the nature and extent of swallowing impairment in oral cancer patients following treatment with combined hyperthermia and interstitial radiotherapy. Few studies have examined the effects of voluntary swallow maneuvers (supersupraglottic and Mendelsohn) on pharyngeal phase swallowing in the oral cancer patient treated with surgery or radiotherapy. This study examined the effects of combined radiotherapeutic salvage treatments of hyperthermia and interstitial implantation and swallow recovery using swallow maneuvers in a surgically treated and irradiated oral cancer patient. Methods. The patient under study, a 51-year-old man, underwent radiotherapy, according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) protocol #8419, consisting of a combination of interstitial irradiation and hyperthermia to the base of tongue, for a recurrent squamous cell cancer. He underwent videofluorographic (VFG) examination of his swallowing, a modified barium swallow at three time points: 2 days following radiotherapy treatment (VFG1), 4 weeks later (VFG2), and 8 months later (VFG3). Temporal and biomechanical analyses of swallows were performed at each time point. Results. Swallow maneuvers and time resulted in improved laryngeal elevation and laryngeal vestibule closure during the swallows on VFG2. Maximum upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening width and duration were more normal. Fewer swallows were required for bolus clearance through the pharynx. Base of tongue tissue necrosis occurred as a complication of radiotherapy between VFG2 and VFG3, with resultant severe reduction in posterior movement of the tongue base, incomplete tongue base contact to the posterior pharyngeal wall, reduced laryngeal elevation, and incomplete laryngeal vestibule closure during swallowing at VFG3. UES opening became less normal and a greater number of swallows were required for bolus clearance through the pharynx. Conclusions. Combined interstitial irradiation and hyperthermia can cause oropharyngeal swallowing problems. Time and swallow therapy can improve these swallow disorders. Tongue base tissue necrosis can cause further swallow impairment, emphasizing the importance of the tongue base in normal deglutition. Further studies are needed to examine the impact of combined hyperthermia and interstitial implantation for treatment of tongue base tumors on swallow functioning in a larger group of patients. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Functional Assessment of the Pharynx at Rest and during Swallowing in Partially Paralyzed Humans: Simultaneous Videomanometry and Mechanomyography of Awake Human Volunteers

Background: Functional characteristics of the pharynx and upper esophagus, including aspiration episodes, were investigated in 14 awake volunteers during various levels of partial neuromuscular block. Pharyngeal function was evaluated using videoradiography and computerized pharyngeal manometry during contrast bolus swallowing.

Methods: Measurements of pharyngeal constrictor muscle function (contraction amplitude, duration, and slope), upper esophageal sphincter muscle resting tone, muscle coordination, bolus transit time, and aspiration under fluoroscopic control (laryngeal or tracheal penetration) were made before (control measurements) and during a vecuronium-induced partial neuromuscular paralysis, at fixed intervals of mechanical adductor pollicis muscle train-of-four (TOF) fade; that is, at TOF ratios of 0.60, 0.70, 0.80, and after recovery to a TOF ratio > 0.90.

Results: Six volunteers aspirated (laryngeal penetration) at a TOF ratio < 0.90. None of them aspirated at a TOF ratio > 0.90 or during control recording. Pharyngeal constrictor muscle function was not affected at any level of paralysis. The upper esophageal sphincter resting tone was significantly reduced at TOF ratios of 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80 (P < 0.05). This was associated with reduced muscle coordination and shortened bolus transit time at a TOF ratio of 0.60.     

Swallowing dysfunction after chemoradiation for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND: Swallowing dysfunction is a common side effect of chemoradiation. METHODS: Twelve patients with stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were enrolled. Videofluorographic swallowing studies were performed before initiation of chemoradiation to provide baseline swallowing function data. Postchemoradiation videofluorographic swallowing studies were performed from 1 to 14 weeks after the completion of treatment (mean, 8 weeks). RESULTS: Changes in swallowing physiology after treatment included decreased base of tongue to posterior pharyngeal wall contact (p =.0010) and reduced pharyngeal contraction (p =.0313), resulting in impaired bolus transport through the pharynx. In addition, decreased laryngeal elevation (p =.0039), decreased laryngeal vestibule closure (p =.0078), and laryngeal penetration (p =.0078) were present. Bolus volume did not have a significant effect on swallowing ability. Aspiration was observed in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Organ preservation treatment impairs movement of structures essential for normal swallowing. Prophylactic swallowing exercises may benefit these patients.     

The risk of aspiration of pureed food as determined by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the risk of aspiration of pureed foods in patients with dysphagia with increasing sensory deficits of the hypopharynx with intact versus impaired pharyngeal muscular tone (pharyngeal squeeze). STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred four dysphagic patients underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing and were prospectively divided into 3 groups, with normal, moderate, and severe sensory deficits. Each group was divided into those with normal and those with impaired pharyngeal squeeze. Subjects were given pureed food boluses and were evaluated for aspiration. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the incidence of aspiration of pureed foods for normal and moderate sensory loss when comparing normal and impaired pharyngeal squeeze (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test). There was no significant difference in the severe sensory loss group. In both the normal and impaired pharyngeal squeeze groups, there was no significant difference in aspiration as the sensory deficit increases. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with impaired pharyngeal squeeze at different levels of sensory deficits are at significantly greater risk for aspiration of pureed foods compared with those with normal squeeze. However, as sensory deficits increased, the patients did not show a significant increase in aspiration. The aspiration of pureed foods may depend more on muscle tone of the hypopharynx than on sensation. Dysphagic patients who are given a pureed diet to prevent aspiration may still be at risk for aspiration. This may be easily predicted by the use of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing in conjunction with evaluation of pharyngeal muscle tone.     

Acute characteristics of pediatric Dysphagia subsequent to traumatic brain injury: videofluoroscopic assessment

OBJECTIVE: To document the acute characteristics of swallowing impairment in a group of children post moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) by means of videofluoroscopy. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen children with moderate/severe TBI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Videofluoroscopy at an average of 27.7 days post-injury. RESULTS: Subjects demonstrated a range of dysphagia severity levels: mild-moderate (n = 8), moderate (n = 6), moderate-severe (n = 3), and severe (n = 1) and had a combination of oral and pharyngeal phase characteristics. More specifically, observable features or physiological impairments that were identified included reduced lingual control, hesitancy of tongue movement, repetitive tongue pumping, the presence of aspiration (including silent aspiration), delayed swallow reflex trigger, reduced laryngeal elevation and closure, and reduced peristalsis. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the diversity of swallowing deficits and dysphagia severity levels in children following TBI and suggest that the former are consistent with a pattern of oropharyngeal impairments.     

Recovery of postoperative swallowing in patients undergoing partial laryngectomy

This study assessed the achievement of postoperative swallowing in patients undergoing partial laryngectomy surgery. Oropharyngeal swallow efficiency was used to predict time to achievement of outcome. Fifty-five patients were followed for up to 1 year in two hemilaryngectomy and four supraglottic laryngectomy groups. Within 10 days of healing, a videofluoroscopic evaluation enabled the measurement of swallowing efficiency. Times to achievement of oral intake, removal of feeding tube, preoperative diet, and normal swallow were analyzed using actuarial curves. Patients with hemilaryngectomies achieved swallowing rehabilitation sooner than patients with nonextended supraglottic laryngectomies (p < .05) who, in turn, achieved swallowing function sooner than did patients undergoing supraglottic laryngectomies with tongue base resection (p < .05). Median time to attainment of preoperative diet in these three groups was 28 days, 91 days, and > 335 days, respectively. Higher early postoperative oropharyngeal swallow efficiency was related to earlier achievement of oral food intake and of preoperative diet (p < .05). Results show that the time course for swallowing rehabilitation covers an extended postoperative period. In some surgical groups, functional swallowing and eating may be achieved within 3 months of surgery while for other types, significant impairment remains up to 9 months postoperatively. Early radiographic assessments of swallowing function are useful in predicting the time to swallow recovery. Recovery of swallowing ability may be delayed in patients who have not achieved oral intake before radiotherapy is started.     

Relationship between the size of neopharynx after laryngectomy and long-term swallowing function: an assessment by scintigraphy.

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between the size of neopharynx after total laryngectomy and long-term swallowing function by means of scintigraphy. Study design: The width of pharyngeal remnant was measured during surgery in 11 patients. Their swallowing function was assessed by scintigraphy 8 to 10 years after surgery. METHODS: The width of pharyngeal remnant at its narrowest point in both relaxed and stretched state was measured during surgery. Postoperative scintigraphy data on swallowing were obtained and computed along 3 lines, (1) transit time through neopharynx, (2) percentage of bolus transferred, and (3) swallowing efficiency. The relationship between the 2 sets of data was analyzed by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: (1) No statistically significant relationship was found between the size of neopharynx and swallowing function. (2) All patients are clinically asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The swallowing function is not affected by the size of the neopharynx in 11 patients with pharyngeal remnant width ranging from 3 to 8 cm (stretched).     

Management of swallowing in supraglottic and extended supraglottic laryngectomy patients.

BACKGROUND: Aspiration of food and liquid following supraglottic and supracricoid laryngectomy has been documented and found to be the most frequent major postoperative complication that extends hospitalization. The advantages as well as disadvantages of discharging a patient with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement and home therapy versus an aggressive in-hospital dysphagia management program remain controversial. The present investigation examines an aggressive in-patient postoperative dysphagia management program following decannulation. METHODS: Twenty-one patients participated in a four-part dysphagia management program following decannulation: patient education, indirect therapy, swallowing evaluation, and nutrition education. RESULTS: Eleven patients achieved functional swallowing goals prior to discharge with no reports of pneumonia or rehospitalization over a 3-month follow-up period. Six patients were discharged with a tracheostomy and duo tube; five of these patients were started on an oral diet the same day of decannulation. Four patients decannulated prior to discharge did not achieve functional swallowing. CONCLUSION: Certain patients can achieve functional swallowing goals prior to discharge and avoid the cost and surgical placement of a PEG. This group required an additional 2 to 3 days of hospitalization; however, the usual and customary charges for aggressive dysphagia management in this group were exceeded by charges for PEG placement and in-home therapy according to pricing guidelines for the hospital where these patients were treated. Specific patient profiles of those who were unsuccessful relate to extent of surgery, ie, supraglottic + base of tongue (SUPRA + BOT) and supraglottic + vocal fold (SUPRA + VF) resection, and non-compliance. Complicated patients often require longer rehabilitation and may benefit from a PEG at the time of surgery.     

Reconstruction after total or subtotal glossectomy

Total or subtotal resection of the tongue for malignant lesions creates difficult reconstructive problems. Though the introduction of myocutaneous flaps revolutionized the reconstruction of the oral cavity, most patients with total and subtotal (more than 75 percent) glossectomy require laryngectomy as a concommittant or subsequent procedure to prevent persistant aspiration. Two groups of patients have been compared in this study. Group I consisted of 10 patients in whom an attempt was made to preserve voice with a total (4 patients) or subtotal (6 patients) glossectomy without laryngectomy. To decrease the chance of aspiration, the tip of the epiglottis was sutured to the posterior pharyngeal wall (epiglottopexy). This additional surgical step allowed swallowing without aspiration by blocking the glottic entrance. Group II consisted of six patients who underwent total glossectomy and laryngectomy. They had reconstruction with a pectoralis myocutaneous flap in one stage. These patients were rehabilitated without any major morbidity and they resumed an oral diet within 3 weeks after surgery. The muscle bulk of the flap and the additional protection of the airway by epiglottopexy in Group I were the keys to successful reconstruction.     

Swallowing function in patients who underwent hemiglossectomy: comparison of primary closure and free radial forearm flap reconstruction with videofluoroscopy

The swallowing function of patients who had undergone hemiglossectomy with either primary closure of the defect or radial forearm flap reconstruction was studied with videofluoroscopy. Patients with primary closure were unable to lift the tongue tip, had poor tongue-to-palate contact on initiating swallowing, had premature spilling of the bolus into the pharynx, had a large amount of barium stasis on the floor of the mouth, and had prolonged oral transit time. With flap reconstruction, patients easily could lift the tongue and make good contact with the entire palate. They were able to seal the posterior pharyngeal sphincter by elevation of the reconstructed tongue, approximating it to the soft palate, so that premature spilling of the bolus rarely happened. Their swallowing pattern was nearly normal. Although the reconstructed flap is nonfunctional, it provides bulk and helps the remaining tongue to complete the swallow. Compared with primary closure of the tongue defect, the authors suggest it is better to reconstruct it with a free radial forearm flap when more than 50% of the tongue is resected.