title: The Effects of the VFSS Timing After Nasogastric Tube Removal on Swallowing Function of the Patients With Dysphagia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) timing after the nasogastric tube (NGT) removal on swallowing function of the patients with dysphagia.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted on 40 NGT-fed patients with dysphagia. To assess the patients' swallowing function, VFSS was performed twice using a 5-mL 35% diluted barium solution. For the initial examination, VFSS was performed immediately after the NGT removal (VFSS 1). For the second examination, VFSS was performed five hours after the NGT removal (VFSS 2). We used the functional dysphagia scale (FDS) to assess swallowing function. In the FDS, a significant difference in the four items in the oral phase, seven items in the pharyngeal phase, and total scores were assessed (p<0.05). We also used modified penetration-aspiration scale (mPAS) to compare the two examinations (p<0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A paired t-test was performed to confirm the statistical significance of the two examinations (p<0.05). The overall swallowing function was assessed as better in VFSS 2 than in VFSS 1. In the FDS, significant differences in the residue in valleculae (p=0.002), the residue in pyriform sinuses (p=0.001), the coating of pharyngeal wall after swallow (p=0.001), and the total scores (p<0.001) were found between the two examinations. Also, in the mPAS that assessed the degree of penetration-aspiration, a significant difference was found between the two examinations (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study confirmed that the timing of the VFSS after the NGT removal affects the swallowing function. Thus, to accurately assess the swallowing function, VFSS must be performed in NGT-fed patients after they have rested for a certain period following the removal of their NGT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Du Hyeon
authors.initials: du H
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: A Young
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Cheon
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Young
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Hoon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Deglutition; Dysphagia; Enteral Nutrition