Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the causal mechanisms of severe swallowing disorders
after the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. Twenty-six patients with severe swallowing
disorders at ≥12 months after treatment for oropharyngeal cancer were analyzed retrospectively
using videofluoroscopy. Fourteen patients (54%) had been treated with surgery (±postoperative
radiotherapy), while 12 patients (46%) had been treated with (chemo)radiotherapy.
Videofluoroscopy analysis showed a localized alteration in the surgical excision area
resulting in impaired tongue root retraction in the surgical group (P = 0.012), while general impairment of the pharyngeal, laryngeal, and upper oesophagus
sphincter was found in the non-surgical group. Aspirations in the surgical group most
often occurred after swallowing, while in the non-surgical group, they occurred during
and after swallowing (P = 0.039). This analysis by videofluoroscopy provides important insights into the mechanisms
giving rise to swallowing disorders after the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 16, 2015
Accepted:
January 28,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
