Evaluation of the Swallowing after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy with Modified Barium Swallow / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is popular due to its satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes in selected laryngeal cancers. Their postoperative management is now well codified, but functional failures still persist. The aims of this study were to analyze the deglutition modification induced by these intervention and to plan a better rehabilitation program of swallowing. MATERIALS AND METHOD: For the evaluation of swallowing function, the swallowing analysis was performed by following the videofluoroscopic evaluation using the modified barium swallow (Logemann, 1983) in 14 laryngeal cancer patients. RESULTS: Asymptomatic aspiration was observed in 4 patients (28.6%), especially in patients with the extended procedures (p=0.032) and delayed decannulation (p=0.035). Aspiration was associated with faulty backward tilting of epiglottis and inadequate movement of the base of tongue (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In planning the swallowing rehabilitation program after supracricoid partial laryngectomy, recuperation of proper epiglottic movement, which is promoted by exercise of backward tongue movement, is the most important concern.