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Obo T, Nakano A, Fujishiro T, Mizutani M, Nakaya Y, Hayama S, Usami Y, Neo M. Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Upper Esophageal Sphincter for Dysphagia During the Acute Postoperative Phase of Anterior Cervical Surgery. Clin Spine Surg 2024; 37:E216-E224. [PMID: 38158608 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE To verify the pathophysiology of dysphagia during the acute postoperative phase of anterior cervical surgery and to identify its predictive features, using ultrasonographic (US) examination for upper esophageal sphincter (UES). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There are no clinical studies investigating dysphagia after anterior cervical surgery, using US examination for UES. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery between August 2018 and March 2022. Dysphagia was evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaires. The US examination was performed preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. Three US parameters for morphologic measurements (outer diameter, inner diameter, and muscle thickness) and 4 for functional measurements (displacement, time to relax, passing duration, and time to contract) were assessed. To verify the pathophysiology of postoperative dysphagia, we examined the change in the ratios of US parameters (=US parameter 2 weeks postoperatively /US parameter at baseline ) and the existence of significant correlations with change in the EAT-10 score (=EAT-10 2 weeks postoperatively -EAT-10 at baseline ). To identify the predictive features, the baseline US parameters were compared between dysphagia (+) and dysphagia (-) groups. RESULTS A total of 46 patients (mean age, 61.3 y; 78.3% male) were included for analysis. A greater increase of the EAT-10 score after surgery was positively correlated with change ratios of the muscle thickness and time to contract and negatively with change ratio of the inner diameter. The dysphagia (+) group exhibited significantly greater inner diameter and smaller muscle thickness at baseline than the dysphagia (-) group. CONCLUSION Dysphagia during the acute postoperative phase of anterior cervical surgery is caused by the physical narrowing of the inner lumen due to muscle thickening of the UES and sphincter contractile dysfunction. In addition, a baseline UES morphology characterized by a greater inner diameter and a thinner muscle layer is predictive of postoperative dysphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Obo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
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Nijim W, Cowart JH, Banerjee C, Postma G, Paré M. Evaluation of outcome measures for post-operative dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:4793-4801. [PMID: 37592082 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08167-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal is to conduct a review of the current literature to determine and evaluate the current classification metrics available for quantifying post-operative dysphagia. METHODS We surveyed the literature for the subjective and objective measures used to classify dysphagia, and further described and analyzed them in the context of post-operative dysphagia (PD) after anterior cervical spine surgery, with a focus on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We searched PubMed from the years 2005-2021 using the terms "anterior cervical discectomy and fusion" and "dysphagia or postoperative dysphagia." We included papers that were meta-analyses, systemic reviews, prospective, or retrospective studies. Our selection was further consolidated via abstract and title screening. Ultimately, nineteen articles were included and had full-text reviews. RESULTS EAT-10 tool was shown to be more valid and reliable than the commonly used Bazaz grading system. HSS-DDI was found to have a high diagnostic accuracy in stratifying mild, moderate, and severe PD. A shortened 16-item version of the original 44-item SWAL-QOL was found to be statistically and clinically significant. When compared to PROMs, objective tests more accurately diagnose PD. CONCLUSION We found that the most valuable subjective tests were the EAT-10 and HSS-DI because they are quick, sensitive, and correlated strongly with the well-established measurements of PD. The MBS and FEES provided accurate measurements of the severity of PD, but they required more time and equipment than the surveys. In some patient populations, such as those with pre-surgical dysphagia, objective testing should always be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasef Nijim
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - J Harrison Cowart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Gregory Postma
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Michel Paré
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
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Chen Y, Zhu J, Zhu F, Feng C, Luo C, Song C. Predictive Factors for Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Prospective Multicenter Study. World Neurosurg 2023; 178:e533-e539. [PMID: 37516144 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.07.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the incidence and predictors of postoperative dysphagia in patients who undergo anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) by utilizing the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). METHODS A multicenter prospective study was undertaken at three hospitals to evaluate patients undergoing ACSS between January 2021 and January 2023. Included patients were aged 18-80 years and were undergoing primary or revision ACSS. Dysphagia was assessed using the validated EAT-10 questionnaire. Patients with dysphagia were included in the observation group, and those without dysphagia were included in the control group. RESULTS Of the 343 patients enrolled, 50 patients (14.6%) had EAT-10 scores of 3 or more at the 6-month follow-up. In the univariate analysis, patients with dysphagia at 7 days had a longer operative time, were current smokers, had involvement of vertebral bodies at C4 and above, and underwent intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Patients with dysphagia at 6 months had involvement of vertebral bodies at C4 and above and underwent intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. In the multivariate analysis to determine associations with prolonged dysphagia, only the involvement of vertebral bodies at C4 and above (odds ratio 3.883, 95% confidence interval 1.847-8.165, P = 0.001) and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (odds ratio 0.273, 95% confidence interval 0.080-0.931, P = 0.038) remained significant. CONCLUSIONS Dysphagia is common after ACSS, affecting more than 67.5% of patients at 7 days postoperatively, but over time, the incidence of dysphagia gradually decreases. Involvement of the vertebral bodies at C4 and above is a risk factor for dysphagia after ACSS, and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is a protective factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingzhen Zhu
- Department of Urology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengzhao Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chencheng Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunmei Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Caiping Song
- Department of Office of the Hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Okamoto N, Okazaki R, Azuma S. Upper cervical anterior fusion to C2 with temporary infrahyoid muscle detachment: a clinical case series and description of surgical technique. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:467. [PMID: 37381003 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-03937-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anterior cervical spine surgery to C2 (ACSS-C2) is a challenging procedure that often results in postoperative persistent dysphagia or dyspnea due to injury to the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN) or the relatively narrow and soft oropharynx. This study aimed to describe the surgical outcomes of our modified approach with temporary infrahyoid muscle detachment during ACSS-C2. METHODS Patients who underwent ACSS-C2 at two institutions between June 2015 and January 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Intraoperatively, we performed temporary detachment of the infrahyoid muscle from the hyoid bone to improve laryngeal mobility and accessibility to C2. This procedure also allowed for the easy identification and preservation of the iSLN. We retrospectively investigated the surgery-related complications and outcomes of bony fusion. RESULTS Twelve patients were enrolled in this study; five and seven patients underwent single- and multi-level fusion surgery, respectively. Intraoperative preservation of the iSLN and proper visualization of C2 were achieved in all cases. Subsequent decompression and instrumentation were successfully performed. Two older patients (78 and 81 years) who underwent multi-level fusion experienced transient postoperative dysphagia. None of the patients required unplanned reintubation or revision surgery because of instrumentation failure. Solid bony fusion was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS Our modified approach with temporary infrahyoid muscle detachment during ACSS-C2 reduces the incidence of postoperative persistent dysphagia and dyspnea. However, in older patients at high risk for postoperative dysphagia, multi-level fusion should be avoided, and alternative procedures should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Okamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Saitama Hospital, 1-5 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama, 330-0081, Japan.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yaizu City Hospital, 1000 Doubara, Yaizu-city, Shizuoka, 425-0055, Japan.
| | - Rentaro Okazaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Saitama Hospital, 1-5 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama, 330-0081, Japan
| | - Seiichi Azuma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Saitama Hospital, 1-5 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama, 330-0081, Japan
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Yu C, Chunmei L, Caiping S. Symptoms and coping of patients with dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery: a qualitative study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:498. [PMID: 37330488 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the subjective symptoms, psychological characteristics and coping strategies of patients with dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery, so as to provide the basis for formulating strategies to help patients with dysphagia solve clinical practice problems and to improve their quality of life after surgery. METHODS Using the phenomenological research method and the purpose sampling method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants with dysphagia at 3-time points after anterior cervical spine surgery (7 days, 6 weeks, and 6 months). RESULTS A total of 22 (10 females and 12 males) patients, with years old ranging between 33 and 78 years were interviewed. When analysing the data, the following 3 categories were extracted from the participant interviews: "Subjective symptoms, Coping style and impact on social life". The 3 categories consist of 10 sub-categories. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that swallowing-related symptoms may occur after anterior cervical spine surgery. Many patients had developed compensatory strategies to manage or reduce the burden of these symptoms, but lacked professional guidance from health care professionals. Moreover, dysphagia after neck surgery has its unique characteristics, involving the interaction of physical, emotional and social factors, which requires early screening.Healthcare professionals should provide better psychological support in the early or late postoperative period to ensure the improvement of health outcomes and patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yu
- Department of Urology, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Luo Chunmei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Song Caiping
- Department of Office of the hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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Alentado VJ, Bisson EF, Potts EA. Dysphagia after cervical spine surgery: a review of risk factors and preventative measures. J Neurosurg Spine 2023; 38:382-388. [PMID: 36681963 DOI: 10.3171/2022.11.spine221247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysphagia is a regular occurrence after cervical spine surgery, and the development of dysphagia postoperatively is associated with worsened quality of life for patients. Despite the frequency and negative implications of this adverse outcome, there is no clear consensus for defining dysphagia within the spinal literature. Numerous patient-reported outcomes questionnaires are currently used to elucidate the presence and severity of postoperative dysphagia, several of which are not validated instruments. This variability in reporting creates difficulty when trying to determine the prevalence of dysphagia and any potential mitigating factors. In the current review, the authors discuss the causes of postoperative dysphagia after cervical spine surgery, metrics for evaluating postoperative dysphagia, risk factors for the development of this adverse outcome, and strategies for preventing its development. Readers will be able to use this information to improve patient outcomes after cervical spine surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J Alentado
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- 2Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Carmel, Indiana
| | - Erica F Bisson
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Eric A Potts
- 2Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Carmel, Indiana
- 4St. Vincent Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Safety and Efficacy of Local Steroid Application on Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Spine Surg 2023:01933606-990000000-00114. [PMID: 36727904 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of local steroid application (LSA) on dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Dysphagia is one of the most common adverse events in the early postoperative period of ACDF. LSA is reported as an effective method to reduce the swelling of soft tissues, thereby decreasing the incidence of dysphagia. However, the safety and efficacy of LSA on dysphagia after ACDF need to be systematically reviewed and analyzed. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out in the database PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Clinical key, Cochrane library, and Wiley Online Library to screen papers that report LSA in ACDF surgery. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and a methodological index for nonrandomized studies were used for the assessment of study quality. Data were analyzed with the Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS A total of 10 studies were included. The results revealed no significant differences between the steroid group and the control group in ACDF regarding postoperative drainage, estimated blood loss, and neck disability index score (P > 0.05). LSA significantly alleviates visual analog scale score for neck pain (or odynophagia) (P < 0.05), reduces the length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference, -1.00 (-1.05 to -0.95); P < 0.001), and mitigates dysphagia rate and prevertebral soft-tissue swelling in the early postoperative period (P < 0.05). There seemed to be no significant increase in the complication rate and steroid-related adverse events in the steroid group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LSA shows advantages in reducing the length of hospital stay, decreasing dysphagia rate, and mitigating prevertebral soft-tissue swelling in the early postoperative period of ACDF. Further large-scale studies are urgently required for the development of a standard protocol for LSA and further analysis of potential delay complications.
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Zakko P, Kasir R, Chen NW, Park D. Dysphagia Weakly Correlates With Other Patient-Reported Outcomes After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Cureus 2021; 13:e20742. [PMID: 35111434 PMCID: PMC8792121 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dysphagia is a common complication after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), but it is not a routinely asked question in legacy patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). This study analyzes whether there are associations between dysphagia and legacy outcome measures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 168 patients who underwent ACDF surgery from 2017 to 2019 at a single institution. Demographics, anthropometric data, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-Arm and VAS-Neck Pain scores, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Physical and PROMIS-Mental scores, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) were obtained for each patient preoperatively and at one, three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the bivariate correlations between legacy, PROMIS, and EAT-10 measures. Results Significant but weak correlations existed between NDI and EAT-10 at one, three, and six months postoperatively (correlation coefficient (R) = 0.31, 0.42, and 0.34 at one, three, and six months, p < 0.001) and VAS-Neck Pain and EAT-10 scores at one, three, and six months postoperatively (R = 0.27, 0.30, and 0.28 at one, three, and six months, p ≤ 0.004). Both PROMIS-Physical and PROMIS-Mental scores showed significant but weak correlations with EAT-10 scores at three and six months postoperatively (R = -0.29 and -0.25, p ≤ 0.01, at three months and R = -0.25 and -0.28, p < 0.01, at six months). In all comparisons of EAT-10 scores with legacy outcome measures, the significance of correlations disappeared by 12 months postoperatively. In addition, there was a positive association between CCI and EAT-10 score (β = 0.37, p < 0.05). Conclusion Weak correlations exist between self-reported dysphagia scores and legacy patient-reported outcome measures in patients undergoing ACDF. The correlation strength decreases over time; therefore, dysphagia scores should be reported separately when looking at outcomes after ACDF. Patients with more comorbidities are also at increased risk for dysphagia.
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Comparison of Bazaz scale, Dysphagia Short Questionnaire, and Hospital for Special Surgery-Dysphagia and Dysphonia Inventory for Assessing Dysphagia Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery in Chinese Population. Dysphagia 2021; 37:250-259. [PMID: 33661332 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Dysphagia is one of the most common complaints after anterior cervical spine surgery. The Bazaz scale, the Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ), and the Hospital for Special Surgery-Dysphagia and Dysphonia Inventory (HSS-DDI) were patient-reported outcome measures assessing the patients' perceptions of their swallowing functions after surgery. This prospective diagnostic test study aimed to compare these surveys' psychometric properties in the Chinese population. We evaluated 150 consecutive patients after anterior cervical spine surgery with the Bazaz scale, DSQ, HSS-DDI, and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). The reliability and validity of the Bazaz scale, DSQ, and HSS-DDI were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the DSQ, Bazaz scale, and HSS-DDI were constructed using the MDADI as a reference criterion. Their areas under the curve (AUCs) were further analyzed. In total, 132 participants completed all of the surveys. The results showed that all surveys were significantly correlated with each other. The HSS-DDI and HSS-Dysphagia subscale showed near-perfect reliability (Cronbach α = 0.969 and 0.957, respectively). ROC curves showed both HSS-DDI and HSS-Dysphagia subscale had greater accuracy (AUCs > 0.9) in detecting mild dysphagia and moderate/severe dysphagia. The HSS-Dysphagia subscale achieved higher accuracy in assessing the dysphagia symptoms after anterior cervical spine surgery. The Bazaz scale was considered less accurate than other scales. Our results provided guidance for selecting the appropriate measuring tool during clinical and research practices.
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Ohba T, Akaike H, Fujita K, Oda K, Tanaka N, Tomokazu M, Sakurai D, Haro H. Risk Factors and Assessment Using an Endoscopic Scoring System for Postoperative Respiratory Complications after Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery. Spine Surg Relat Res 2020; 5:10-15. [PMID: 33575489 PMCID: PMC7870322 DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2020-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Postoperative respiratory complications (PRC) are one of the most serious complications. Potentially life-threatening accidents can occur after an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ADF), such as airway obstruction and aspiration pneumonia. Despite numerous studies, preoperative predictive and preventive methodology has yet to be established. As reported in our previous study, the evaluation of preoperative dysphagia using the eating assessment tool (EAT-10) and a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is useful for predicting the incidence and risk factors of dysphagia after ADF. Methods This prospective study comprised 60 consecutive patients who underwent ADF. An otolaryngologist and a speech-language-hearing therapist preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively evaluated dysphagia using EAT-10 and Hyodo-Komagane (H-K) scores during FEES. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and pre- and postoperative dysphagia were compared between patients with and without PRC. Results Seven of 60 (11.6%) patients had preoperative dysphagia diagnosed using the H-K score. A significant positive correlation existed between the pre- and postoperative H-K scores. Of all 60 cases, eight (13.3%) had PRC. Among them, two required reintubation due to airway obstruction and six had aspiration pneumonia. The PRC(+) group was significantly older and more prone to diabetes and asthma. The preoperative H-K score of the PRC(+) group was significantly higher than that of the PRC(−) group. Postoperatively, but not preoperatively, EAT-10 was significantly higher in the PRC(+) group. Conclusions Preoperative dysphagia may potentially exacerbate postoperative dysphagia after ADF. A preoperative evaluation of dysphagia using the H-K score during FEES is a useful method for predicting and reducing the risk of PRC. Level of Evidence: 3
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Ohba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Akaike
- Department of Rehabilitation, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kotaro Oda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Nobuki Tanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Matsuoka Tomokazu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Daiju Sakurai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Haro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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