ĐÁNH GIÁ DIỄN BIẾN RỐI LOẠN NUỐT SAU PHẪU THUẬT Ở BỆNH NHÂN UNG THƯ KHOANG MIỆNG VÀ HỌNG MIỆNG

Abstract

Background: Surgery for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer often leads to swallowing disorders, significantly impacting patients' health and quality of life. Assessing the status of swallowing disorders post-surgery is essential for pre-operative patient counseling and effective intervention planning. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the time from surgery to full oral intake (TFOI), and (2) assess the trajectory of swallowing disorders using EAT-10 scores at 1 month and 12 months post-surgery, analyzed by tumor stage, tumor location, and post-operative adjuvant treatment. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 57 oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer patients after surgery. Data on TFOI and EAT-10 scores were collected at 1 month and 12 months. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, and Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results: Median TFOI was significantly longer in patients with larger T stage tumors and in those who underwent bilateral neck dissection. Mean EAT-10 scores significantly improved from 1 month to 12 months post-surgery. Patients with advanced tumor stage exhibited higher dysphagia severity. Importantly, the pattern of EAT-10 score change over time significantly differed among adjuvant treatment groups; the non-adjuvant group showed the best recovery, while the adjuvant radiotherapy group demonstrated persistent dysphagia with minimal improvement. Conclusion: Tumor stage and post-operative adjuvant treatment are crucial prognostic factors for swallowing function recovery after surgery in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.