Effects of a Reclining Position on Postoperative Dysphagia After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

Background/Objective: Postoperative dysphagia is a common cause of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Although the reclining posture is effective for general dysphagia, its effectiveness after esophagectomy remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore effective approaches in the management of dysphagia after esophagectomy. Methods: This study included patients who underwent esophagectomy at the Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Hospital between January 2018 and March 2021. For the postoperative swallowing evaluation, the patients underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study by drinking 30 mL of liquid in two postures, a 45-degree reclining position (45°R) and a 90-degree upright position (90°U), and assessments were performed using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale. Results: Eighty-seven patients participated in the study. Laryngeal penetration and aspiration were, respectively, observed in 19 (21.8%) and 21 patients (24.1%) at 90°U, and in 14 (16.1%) and five patients (5.7%) at 45°R (p < 0.05). PPCs occurred in 10 patients (11.5%), and vocal cord paralysis occurred in 22 patients (25.3%). However, after adjusting the feeding conditions based on the results of the swallowing assessment, PPCs after meal initiation occurred in only five of these 10 patients (5.7%). Conclusions: Although dysphagia after esophagectomy is observed in approximately half of the patients, including those with minor dysphagia, the risk of aspiration can be reduced by changing the patient's posture during food consumption. Thus, postural changes may be a useful approach for reducing the risk of PPCs.