Sequential evaluation of swallowing function in patients with unilateral neck dissection.

Abstract

Neck dissection is the most reliable treatment for cervical lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer. However, it is unknown whether neck dissection can cause dysphagia. The aim of this study was to evaluate swallowing function after neck dissection. By using videofluoroscopic and videoendoscopic methods, swallowing function was evaluated in 17 patients prior to, 1 month after, and 4 months after neck dissection. In comparison with preoperative observations, swallowing function after neck dissection was affected by the following changes: a forward and downward displacement of the hyoid bone at rest and at its highest position, a decrease in the distance traversed by the hyoid bone during swallowing, and an increase in laryngeal penetration. Pharyngeal residue and aspiration were not observed in any of the patients. Although swallowing function is affected by neck dissection, serious clinical problems are not likely to occur.