Swallowing Kinematics in Male Patients with Total Laryngectomy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Swallowing Disorders
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Total laryngectomy (TL) significantly alters upper aerodigestive tract anatomy.
• Dysphagia is a common post-TL complication, impacting quality of life.
• Understanding swallowing kinematics is crucial for managing post-TL swallowing dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate symptomatic swallowing complaints in patients with TL.
• To compare swallowing kinematics between TL patients with and without dysphagia symptoms.
• To identify kinematic parameters associated with post-TL swallowing complaints.

Main Methods:

• 34 patients with TL underwent Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS).
• Swallowing kinematics were analyzed using ImageJ software.
• Key parameters included pharyngeal transit duration (PTD), maximum pharyngeal constriction ratio (MPCR), and bolus clearance ratio (BCR).

Main Results:

• 47.1% of TL patients reported symptomatic swallowing complaints.
• Complaints included difficulty with solids/pills and food sticking in the throat.
• Significantly higher PTD, MPCR, and BCR were observed in symptomatic patients.

Conclusions:

• Symptomatic dysphagia is prevalent in nearly half of TL patients.
• Deviated kinematic parameters (PTD, MPCR, BCR) may underlie these complaints.
• Kinematic measurements should be integrated into dysphagia evaluations for TL patients.