Swallowing: A delayed milestone post-surgery in tongue cancers

Functional rehabilitation remains an important factor in the post-operative period following tongue cancer surgeries. Patients undergoing surgery for tongue cancers require intense rehabilitation in order to restore their swallowing function, and improve their nutritional status and quality of life. Various swallowing scales like the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Performance status scale in head and neck cancer (PSSHNC) and 100 ml water swallow test are used to assess functionality in these patients. These aid in timely assessment and early intervention for better rehabilitation, in turn improving quality of life. Nasogastric tube (NG) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) aids in providing adequate nutrition in the immediate post-operative period and during adjuvant therapy to overcome radiation-induced dysphagia.

Automated summary

Functional rehabilitation is crucial in the post-operative period for tongue cancer patients. Various swallowing scales aid in timely assessment and intervention, improving rehabilitation and quality of life. The use of NG or PEG provides adequate nutrition during the immediate post-operative period and adjuvant therapy to overcome dysphagia caused by radiation.