Swallowing Function following Postchemoradiotherapy Neck Dissection: Review of Findings and Analysis of Contributing Factors

Objective. This study assesses swallowing function following chemoradiotherapy and neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients and investigates clinical, treatment, and neck dissection factors associated with dysphagia. Study Design. Case series with chart review. Setting. Tertiary care center. Subjects and Methods. Eighty-eight patients undergoing neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer were reviewed. Dysphagia outcome measures included weight loss, diet, gastrostomy tube (GT) dependency, and video swallow findings of aspiration or stenosis. In addition, the researchers created a Diet/GT Scale, with scores ranging from 1 to 5. Univariate and multivariate analysis of clinical, treatment, or neck dissection factors potentially associated with dysphagia outcome measures was undertaken. Results. Peak mean weight loss was 17% at 6 months after chemoradiotherapy. At 12 months, a soft/regular diet was taken by 78 of 88 patients (89%), and only 1 of 88 patients (1%) was nil per os. Gastrostomy tube dependence at 6, 12, and 24 months was 53%, 25%, and 10%, respectively. The Diet/GT score was 5 (gastrostomy tube removed and soft/regular diet) for 47% at 6 months, 74% at 12 months, and 89% at 24 months. Multivariate analyses revealed that higher tumor stage was associated with a lower Diet/GT score at 12 months (P = .02) and gastrostomy dependence at 12 months (P = .01) and 24 months (P = .04). Conclusion. Despite the addition of neck dissection to chemoradiotherapy, nearly all patients took a soft or regular diet and reached a Diet/GT score of 5, and only 1% remained nil per os. A higher tumor stage is associated with a lower Diet/GT score and gastrostomy tube dependency beyond 12 months.