Related Experiment Videos
Speech and swallow function after tonsil/base of tongue resection with primary closure
J A Logemann1, B R Pauloski, A W Rademaker
1Northwestern University, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Evanston, IL 60208-3540.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Surgical removal of tongue base and tonsil tumors significantly impacts speech and swallowing, with limited recovery observed. Patients experienced difficulties with consonants and swallowing, indicating a need for targeted rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Head and neck cancer surgery often involves extensive resection of the tongue base, tonsil, and faucial arch.
- Functional deficits in speech and swallowing are common sequelae following such oncologic resections.
- Understanding the impact of specific surgical sites and reconstruction methods is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of tongue base, tonsil, and faucial arch resection with primary closure on speech and swallowing function.
- To compare functional outcomes with those of patients undergoing anterior tongue and floor of mouth resections.
- To identify factors influencing functional recovery post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 11 patients undergoing major oropharyngeal resection.
- Assessment included high-fidelity audio recordings of speech, the Fisher Logemann Test of Articulation Competence, and videofluoroscopic swallow studies.
- Evaluations were conducted preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months post-healing.
Main Results:
- All patients demonstrated postoperative deficits in speech and swallowing with minimal improvement over 3 months.
- Greatest difficulties were noted in producing stop/fricative consonants and in bolus propulsion during swallowing.
- Patients with tonsil/base of tongue resections showed better speech outcomes than those with anterior resections, though swallowing was similarly affected.
Conclusions:
- Major oropharyngeal resections significantly impair speech and swallowing, necessitating further investigation into rehabilitation strategies.
- The location of the surgical resection influences speech outcomes, while swallowing function appears comparably affected across different resection sites.
- Swallowing therapy is likely essential for patients undergoing these extensive surgical procedures.