Abstract
Purpose: To prevent dysphagia after surgery for head and neck cancer, the effects of preoperative videofluoroscopic evaluations, preoperative rehabilitation, laryngeal suspending technique and velopharyngoplasty were evaluated.
Patients: The subjects were 18 laryngeal, 18 oral and 12 oropharyngeal cancer cases treated at our institute during the period from March 2007 through April 2014, who were analyzed through a review of their medical charts. The larynxes were preserved in all patients.
Methods: Preoperative videofluoroscopic evaluation was done in 11 patients of laryngeal cancer and in 4 patients of preoperative rehabilitation. The relation between postoperative swallowing function and preoperative rehabilitation was examined. On the other hand, the effects of laryngeal suspension and velopharyngoplasty were evaluated in 30 patients after surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Results: In the treatment of laryngeal cancer, preoperative videofluoroscopy was useful for excluding patients who were not indicated. All patients were able to eat a regular diet unrelated to preoperative rehabilitation. Ninety percent of patients were able to eat orally after the surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The period from the operation through total oral intake depended on postoperative complications and radiation. Laryngeal suspension and velopharyngoplasty were effective in extended resection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Conclusion: The preoperative evaluations and intraoperative procedures were effective to prevent dysphagia after surgery for head and neck cancer. Preoperative rehabilitation made patients aware of the importance of postoperative rehabilitation.
