The effect of xanthan gum-based fluid thickener on hydration, swallowing functions and nutritional status in total maxillectomy patients

Purpose Swallowing functions are affected after total maxillectomy operations and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The purpose of our study is to assess the role of xanthan gum based thickening agents on swallowing and hydration of maxillectomy patients on a randomized controlled fashion. Methods 12 of the 22 patients diagnosed with maxillary carcinoma and planned to undergo total maxillectomy was identified as study group and 10 of them were identified as control group. The study group used xantham based liquid thickener for liquid foods up to 3 months postoperatively and the control group did not use. Dysphagia-related quality of life, bioimpedance analysis, EAT-10 scores, swallowing functions were evaluated both preoperative and postoperative period. Results The mean age of the study group was 56 +/- 9.87, and 41.6% were women. The mean age of control group was 60 +/- 15.63, and 50% were women. Postoperative EAT-10 scores were statistically significant higher than preoperative scores in both groups (p<0.05). In both of the study and control groups, a statistically significant reduction in dysphagia related quality of life was detected postoperatively (p<0.05). Intracellular water, extracellular water and total body water detected statistically significant higher in study group at postoperative month three. Conclusion Swallowing functions are affected due to total maxillectomy and radiotherapy. With this study, it has been shown that, total maxillectomy and radiotherapy reduce dysphagia-related quality of life. Swallowing dysfunction and dehydration has been shown to affect total maxillectomy patients. Using of xanthan gum-based fluid thickener' helps to maintain intracellular water, extracellular water, and total body water.