[Upper esophageal sphincter bolus flow laterality after unilateral neck dissection]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Swallowing Disorders
• Head and Neck Surgery

Context:

• Patients undergoing neck dissection often exhibit altered bolus passage through the upper esophageal sphincter (UES).
• Previous recommendations for head rotation to the paretic side to prevent aspiration may not be universally effective.
• Understanding the laterality of UES flow post-surgery is crucial for optimizing swallowing rehabilitation.

Purpose:

• To investigate the laterality of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) bolus flow after unilateral neck dissection.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of head rotation techniques in head and neck surgical patients.

Summary:

• Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were performed on 23 oral cancer patients post-unilateral neck dissection.
• Preoperatively, UES flow showed no predominant side; postoperatively, flow predominantly occurred on the dissected side.
• Hyoid and laryngeal elevation were greater on the non-dissected side during lateral VFSS.

Impact:

• Findings suggest that head rotation towards the non-dissected side can be an effective compensatory strategy for patients following head and neck surgery.
• This research provides evidence-based guidance for dysphagia management in this patient population.
• Optimizing swallowing function post-neck dissection can improve patient quality of life and reduce aspiration risk.