Dysphagia following tumor surgery in the oral cavity and hypopharynx - an analysis by videofluoroscopy

Dysphagia is a common complaint following surgical Intervention in the oral cavity and hypopharynx, often leading to prolonged postoperative recovery. Videofluoroscopy allows detailed visualization of deglutition, demonstrati ng the morphology as well as the functional aspects. Therefore, videofluoro scopy provides the basis for further therapeutic management. We discuss the pathology of deglutition in 19 patients recovering from tumor surgery of t he ora- and hypopharynx. in most cases the results demonstrated severe impa irment of bath the oral and pharyngeal phase of deglutition. Our data empha size the importance of the oral phase of deglutition for preparation and in itiation of the following phases.