Tongue reconstruction after oncological resection: Analysis of the functional outcomes.

The curative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma can be responsible for swallowing and/or speech impairments. In this study, we analyzed the functional outcomes in patients who underwent an oncological resection and a primary reconstruction of the tongue and/or of the floor of the mouth (TFM). We also investigated the predictive factors for poor functional outcomes. This retrospective study included operated patients from October 2013 to May 2021 at the TOURS University Hospital. We assessed the functional results two years after the completion of the cancer treatment with self-administered questionnaires quantifying swallowing and speech disorders. Thirty-three patients were included and reconstructed with antebrachial free flap (N = 16), local flap (N = 8) or Biodesign ® membrane (N = 9). A higher proportion of pT1 tumor was observed in patient who had a Biodesign-based reconstruction (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative complications or for the duration of enteral feeding. The 21 patients who had an adjuvant radiation therapy had no significant more altered functions. Functional scores were significantly higher in the free flap reconstruction group (DHI =24 and SHI=21) (p = 0.008). No predictive factors for poor outcomes were observed. The repair of TFM defects must be adapted to the resection size. The reconstruction techniques allow to get acceptable functional outcomes even for the greater tumors or in case of radiation therapy. Further research would be required to better identify the predictive factors for poor outcomes.

Can We Reduce Frame Rate to 15 Images per Second in Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies?

Videofluoroscopic Swallow studies (VFSS) are useful radiological examinations to explore swallowing disorders but which require ionizing radiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the comparability of pediatric VFSS at 15 frames per second (fps) with 30 fps. Fifty-five loops including 190 swallowings of VFSS at 30 fps performed on 32 consecutive pediatric patients in a University Hospital Center were retrospectively modified by a software to delete one image out of two to obtain secondary loops with a frame rate of 15 fps. An otorhinolaryngologist-phonatrician and a radiologist reviewed all swallowings blindly and randomly using the penetration and aspiration scale (PAS). In case of discordance, they concluded a consensual interpretation. Fifteen girls and seventeen boys were included. The median age was 4 years and 8 months (range = 4 months-16 yr.). 144 swallowings were normal. Swallowing disorder was confirmed in 46 swallowings, (23 supraglottic penetrations and 23 aspirations). Considering each swallowing at 15 fps, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 93% (CI 0.82-0.98) and 98% (CI 0.94-0.99). The Cohen'Kappa coefficient between each interpretation at 15 and 30 fps was "almost perfect" (κ = 0.95; CI 0.88-0.99). Considering each loop, conclusion was identical. Reducing frame rate at 15 fps during pediatric VFSS seemed to be acceptable with comparable diagnostic performances without clinical impact compared to 30 fps, while being an efficient way to reduce the ionizing radiation exposition in children. We would suggest reconsidering the possibility of using VFSS with a 15 fps in a pediatric population.

Lengthening temporalis myoplasty and reduction of the swallowing oral phase dysfunction in facial palsy patients.

INTRODUCTION: Facial palsy can cause dysfunction in the oral phase of swallowing. Lengthening temporalis myoplasty is a widely used technique for correction of facial asymmetry in facial palsy. The aim of this study was to determine whether lengthening temporalis myoplasty could reduce the dysfunction in the oral phase of swallowing in patients with facial palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 13 patients undergoing lengthening temporalis myoplasty. Lip continence, bolus residue, and perceived disability before surgery and at 3 months and 6 months after surgery were compared. Lip force was evaluated with a manometric test and drooling with a self-administered questionnaire. Bolus residue was assessed visually. Perceived disability was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Lip force improved significantly (from 58.23 ± 23.35 mmHg to 91.15 ± 18.36 mmHg; p = 0.001). Drooling showed a corresponding reduction, with the score decreasing from 4.31 ± 1.8 to 3 ±â€¯1.41; p = 0.025. A decrease in bolus residue was also noted; the score decreased from 1.39 ± 0.77 to 0.46 ± 0.66; p < 0.001. These changes contributed to a significant reduction in perceived physical disability; the score decreased from 6.15 ± 3.74 to 3.46 ± 5.70; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Lengthening temporalis myoplasty, in addition to providing smile reanimation, may also reduce the dysfunction of the oral phase of swallowing in patients with facial palsy.