Long-Lasting Dysphagia Developing After Thoracotomy for Pulmonary Resection: a Case Series

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Surgery

Background:

• Dysphagia is a potential complication following thoracotomy for pulmonary resection.
• Understanding the characteristics and severity of post-surgical swallowing difficulties is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively evaluate dysphagia severity and characteristics using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) in patients with long-standing dysphagia after thoracotomy.
• To identify factors associated with swallowing dysfunction and assess the predictive value of VFSS for prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Eleven patients with post-thoracotomy dysphagia were analyzed.
• Videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) at 1 month and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively were assessed.
• Correlation between perioperative factors, VDS, and FOIS scores was investigated.

Main Results:

• Most patients showed improved FOIS scores by 3 months postoperatively.
• Pharyngeal dysfunction was the predominant issue, with frequent residue and penetration despite preserved swallowing reflexes.
• VDS scores significantly correlated with FOIS scores at 3 months, but not with age, lung function, operation time, or ICU stay.

Conclusions:

• VFSS is a valuable tool for evaluating dysphagia after lung surgery.
• VFSS findings, particularly VDS scores, can help predict the prognosis of swallowing difficulties in this patient population.