Oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer: how to reduce aspiration pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is caused by difficulty in bolus preparation and transport from the mouth to the oesophagus; this may result in malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. It has a high prevalence in head and neck cancer patients. The objective of this study is to reduce these complications using a new protocol of diagnosis and evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia.

METHOD: This is a prospective study developed in a secondary hospital. All patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2021 and 2022 are subjected to this protocol: an oropharyngeal dysphagia screening test, a swallowing-related quality of life questionnaire and a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow.

RESULTS

A total of 72 evaluations are reported using this protocol, before and after cancer treatment, and only 1 presents with aspiration pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

Using this protocol, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia can be reduced, and diet recommendations can be given earlier in order to maintain a patient's nutritional requirements.