Management of postoperative swallowing dysfunction after ependymoma surgery.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to share a new postoperative care technique team approach for the management of children after they have recovered from the anesthetic and has passed through the immediate postoperative period of a day or so from their posterior fossa ependymoma surgery.


METHODS
A team approach was developed consisting of a neurosurgeon, an otolaryngologist, an intensivist, and a speech pathologist/swallowing specialist. Patients were extubated 24 h after their surgery. Vocal cord function was assessed by fiberoptic exam after extubation. Tracheostomy was occasionally necessary to secure the airway. Swallowing was assessed via modified barium swallow. Aspiration with feeding was occasionally detected early and managed with a gastrostomy tube.


RESULTS
Forty-five patients have undergone posterior fossa surgery at our institution and were managed by our team. Nine have had sufficient vocal cord dysfunction to require a tracheostomy. Eleven have required a gastrostomy. None developed respiratory distress and none developed aspiration pneumonia.


CONCLUSIONS
A team approach, delayed airway evaluation, and modified swallowing exams have benefited our patients after posterior fossa ependymoma surgery. We have prevented any cases of respiratory distress or aspiration pneumonia.
Thompson
Jerome W
JW
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee, 910 Madison Avenue, Suite 408, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA. jthomp18@utmem.edu
Newman
Lisa
L
Boop
Frederick A
FA
Sanford
Robert A
RA