Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Function in Patients With Tumors Involving Both the Oral and Base of the Tongue

To investigate the clinical application of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and recovery of swallowing function in patients with lesions involving both the oral and base of the tongue (OBOT). Patients diagnosed with OBOT lesions underwent assessments preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year postoperatively. The swallowing function evaluation included the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), University of Washington Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer, water swallow test, tongue motion measurement, and FEES (a simple dysphagia score, and penetration-aspiration scale). Postoperative swallowing rehabilitation uses functional therapy. In total, 18 patients participated in this study. The FEES-based dysphagia score had high reliability and diagnostic value. FEES parameters were significantly correlated with results of the water swallow test and MDADI scores. At 1 year postoperatively, the swallowing function of patients with OBOT lesions returned to preoperative levels, although their quality of life was impacted. FEES is a reliable method for evaluating the postoperative swallowing function of patients with OBOT lesions and is worth clinically promoting. Although the swallowing function of these patients was restored, attention should be paid to the quality of life.