Objective: This study aimed to evaluate swallowing function in advanced tongue cancer patients before and after bilateral neck dissection following superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
Methods: A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was used to evaluate swallowing function in 10 patients with advanced tongue cancer before and after bilateral neck dissection.
Results: Laryngeal penetration increased in the postoperative VFSS. Temporal analysis comparing two time points revealed that, after surgery, oral transit time increased significantly, but there was no difference in pharyngeal delay time or pharyngeal transit time. Spatial analysis revealed significant decreases after surgery in the maximum distance of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, the maximum distance of hyoid bone movement in both the anterior and superior direction, and the maximum velocity of hyoid bone movement.
Conclusions: Laryngeal penetration and aspiration increased as a result of limited hyoid movement and diminished UES opening after bilateral neck dissection following superselective intra-arterial CRT for advanced tongue cancer.
Keywords: Advanced tongue cancer; Bilateral neck dissection; Hyoid bone; Superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy; Swallowing function.