Abstract
The grade and the time onset of dysphagia can be predicted before a wide resection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The management of dysphagia can also be planned before the operation. After performing a wide resection of oropharyngeal cancer the swallowing function is affected depending on the site and the volume of the resection. This report describes the experience of this department in performing wide resections and Gehanno reconstruction for oropharyngeal cancer. The postoperative swallowing and speech functions were evaluated in twelve oropharyngeal cancer patients. The site and size of the defect affected the grade of the swallowing and speech dysfunction. However, the patients that underwent Gehano reconstruction maintained a satisfactory post-operative function. A videofluoroscopic evaluation and videoendoscopic evaluation revealed the functional reconstruction of the velo-pharyngeal closure to be successful. The indications for laryngeal suspension, a crico-pharyngeal myotomy, and laryngeal preservation were also discussed. Furthermore, the prevention of post-operative complications was also discussed.
