Effect of the reclining position in patients after oral tumor surgery

This study investigated the effects of reclining position on swallowing functions in the patients who had undergone surgery for oral tumors.

53 Patients after oral tumor surgery who had undergone the videofluoroscopic swallowing study in the sitting position and reclining position were sampled. We measured Oral transit time (OTT), Pharyngeal transit time (PTT), Penetration-Aspiration scale, Locating of the leading edge of bolus at swallow onset, Route of bolus transit and Transit velocity.

Laryngeal penetration and aspiration were less likely to occur in the reclining position. The mean OTT was significantly shorter in the reclining position than in the sitting position. The leading edge of bolus at swallow onset was significantly lower in the reclining position than in the sitting position. The bolus went along the posterior wall of the pharynx in more patients in the reclining position. The mean PTT and the transit velocity did not significantly differ between the reclining position and the sitting position.

This study suggested that, in patients after surgery on oral tumors, the reclining position is a useful posture to aid oral transit and to readily prevent aspiration and laryngeal penetration.