Sequential evaluation of swallowing function in patients with unilateral neck dissection.
BACKGROUND
Neck dissection is the most reliable treatment for cervical lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer. However, it is unknown whether neck dissection can cause dysphagia. The aim of this study was to evaluate swallowing function after neck dissection.


METHODS
By using videofluoroscopic and videoendoscopic methods, swallowing function was evaluated in 17 patients prior to, 1 month after, and 4 months after neck dissection.


RESULTS
In comparison with preoperative observations, swallowing function after neck dissection was affected by the following changes: a forward and downward displacement of the hyoid bone at rest and at its highest position, a decrease in the distance traversed by the hyoid bone during swallowing, and an increase in laryngeal penetration. Pharyngeal residue and aspiration were not observed in any of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Although swallowing function is affected by neck dissection, serious clinical problems are not likely to occur.
Hirai
Hideaki
H
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Restitution, Division of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. hirai.osur@tmd.ac.jp
Omura
Ken
K
Harada
Hiroyuki
H
Tohara
Haruka
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D049631:Esophageal Sphincter, Upper / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording