Instrumental evaluation of dysphagia after oropharyngeal cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction

• Authors: Barbra Jamróz , Joanna Chmielewska , Magdalena Milewska , Kazimierz Niemczyk

Abstracts

EN

Introduction: Assessment of usefulness of instrumental method of evaluation of dysphagia in creating a therapeutic plan among patients after oropharyngeal cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction. Material and Method: Seven patients after oropharyngeal cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction hospitalized from January to September 2016 in the ENT Department of Warsaw Medical University were included in this study. All patients underwent few times after surgery: clinical swallowing examination, water swallowing screening test and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and/or videofluoroscopy. Results: All patients were diagnosed with dysphagia and had unitentional weight loss (average 5,9% of initial weight during 3 months). In water swallowing test only three participant achieved negative score for 5 ml, and two for 10 ml, 20 ml and 90 ml of water. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was analyzed for swallowing patterns and laryngeal pathology. FEES showed following abnormalities: aspiration (saliva, liquid), penetration (puree, liquid), premature swallowing (liquid, puree) and multiswallowing (liquid, puree, solid food), retention (saliva, puree, liquid, solid food). Videofluroscopy showed on the first place problems with oral phase of swallowing: difficulty forming and propeling bolus, tongue pumping movements, oral cavity residue, premature spillage and delayed oral onset. During the pharyngeal phase we observed: residue in valleculae and piriform sinuses, reduced laryngeal elevation, penetration and aspiration, multiple swallows. Conclusion: Instrumental assessment of swallowing helps during diagnostic and therapeutic process of patients with dysphagia after oncological treatment. a.

Keywords

EN

FEES; VFS; dysphagia; head and neck cancer; free flap reconstruction

• Publisher: Index Copernicus International
• Journal: Polski Przegląd Otorynolaryngologiczny
• Year: 2016
• Volume: 5(4)
• Pages: 22-28

Contributors

author

Barbra Jamróz

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Joanna Chmielewska

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Magdalena Milewska

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Kazimierz Niemczyk