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Videofluorographic Analysis of Swallowing Function after Total Glossolaryngectomy

Summary: Surgeons have traditionally believed that swallowing is mainly dependent on gravity after total glossolaryngectomy. However, swallowing function after total glossolaryngectomy varies widely among patients, and a thorough analysis is lacking. The authors aimed to clarify the swallowing function after total glossolaryngectomy and determine whether it is primarily dependent on gravity. The authors retrospectively analyzed videofluorographic examinations of patients who underwent total glossolaryngectomy and free or pedicle flap reconstruction. The authors enrolled 20 patients (12 male; mean age, 61 years; age range, 43 to 89 years). All patients demonstrated constriction of the reconstructed pharynx to some degree, and no patient’s ability to swallow was dependent on gravity alone. Videofluorography showed excellent barium clearance in eight patients and poor clearance in 12. All patients with excellent clearance showed strong constriction of the posterior pharyngeal wall, whereas only 8.3 percent of the patients with poor clearance showed adequate constriction, which was significantly different (p = 0.0007). Velopharyngeal closure and lip closure also contributed significantly to excellent clearance (p = 0.041). The shape of the reconstructed pharynx (depressed, flat, protuberant) showed no statistically significant association with excellent clearance. Contrary to previous understanding, constriction of the remnant posterior pharyngeal wall played an important role in swallowing after total glossolaryngectomy, and gravity played a secondary role. Dynamic posterior pharyngeal wall movement might result from the increased power of the pharyngeal constrictor muscle and compensate for the immobility of the transferred flap. A well-functioning pharyngeal constrictor muscle and complete velopharyngeal and lip closures can contribute to excellent barium clearance in patients after total glossolaryngectomy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.