EFFECTS OF POSTURAL CHANGE ON ASPIRATION IN HEAD AND NECK SURGICAL PATIENTS

This study was designed to define the effects of postural change on li quid aspiration during videofluorographic examination of oropharyngeal swallow in head and neck surgical patients. Thirty-two patients were given two swallows of five different amounts of liquid barium as toler ated. When aspiration occurred, the patient's head and/or body positio n was changed, new posture being determined by the swallowing disorder identified as the cause of the aspiration. Postural techniques were s uccessful in eliminating aspiration on at least one volume of liquid i n 81% of these patients. Patients in all surgical groups were able to use postures with equal success. A variety of positions were used in e ach type of surgical patient, indicating that these patients exhibited a variety of swallowing problems. Results emphasize the importance of introducing postural techniques during the radiographic study of orop haryngeal swallow to facilitate safe oral intake of liquids.