Ka. Kendall et al., Timing of swallowing events after single-modality treatment of head and neck carcinomas with radiotherapy, ANN OTOL RH, 109(8), 2000, pp. 767-775
This paper reports the results of a preliminary study designed to evaluate
swallowing function in 20 patients 1 year after successful treatment of hea
d and neck carcinomas with radiotherapy. The timing of swallowing events wa
s evaluated by videofluoroscopy. The mean values for each measure were comp
ared to the normative data from 60 control subjects. The radiotherapy patie
nts demonstrated prolonged pharyngeal bolus transit and a delay of laryngea
l closure. Hyoid bone elevation began late relative to the onset of bolus m
ovement. A strong trend toward a delay in hyoid elevation relative to bolus
movement was demonstrated. The time required for the hyoid bone to reach m
aximal elevation did not differ from that in normals, but the hyoid was hel
d in an elevated position for a longer period of time. As a result of chang
es in hyoid movement, the upper esophageal sphincter tended to open early r
elative to the arrival of the bolus. In conclusion, changes in deglutition
occur after radiotherapy, presumably as an adaptation to changes in tissue
compliance.