Oral Intake in the Complete Lateral Position as a Compensatory Method for a Patient with Severe Dysphagia: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: We report a patient with severe dysphagia who was successfully treated using our newly developed swallowing rehabilitation method involving a complete lateral position.

Case: This case involved a 74-year-old male patient with dysphagia caused by multiple morbidities, including sarcopenia after panperitonitis, Wallenberg syndrome, and Lewy body dementia. We attempted oral feeding in the complete lateral position and observed that the bolus was moving as intended and was swallowed without penetration or aspiration. The patient achieved oral feeding using the complete lateral position, and his physical and cognitive functions improved. He was discharged home and continued feeding orally without alternative means for more than 5 years.

Discussion: In the flat (complete) lateral position, the bolus flows and pools as far as possible from the airway opening of the pharynx. Using this method, gravity aids in preventing penetration and aspiration. Therefore, eating in the complete lateral position has immediate effects that are reproducible and not dependent on the cognitive function or motor skills of the patient or the assistance skills of the caregivers.