Swallowing problems after excision of tumors of the skull base: diagnosis and management in 12 patients.

Acute-onset dysphagia can be a debilitating complication of operative intervention in skull base surgery. A retrospective study performed at Baptist Hospital investigated the oropharyngeal deficits, compensatory swallow techniques, and diet modifications of 12 patients who had undergone excision of skull base tumors. Oropharyngeal dysfunction, reduced laryngeal elevation, and copious pharyngeal retention were the most prominent swallowing deficits. Aspiration occurred in 75% of the patients studied. The most frequently employed compensatory swallow techniques were head turns to the affected side, supraglottic swallow, double swallows, alternating liquids and solids, carbonated beverage swallows, and small bolus size. Approximately 2 weeks following skull base surgery, 58% of the patients were able to tolerate oral intake with the aid of compensatory swallow techniques and diet modifications. Only 1 patient in this group remained unable to tolerate food by mouth. This paper focuses on identification of the disordered components of the swallow and the therapeutic management techniques characteristic of the patient who has undergone excision of a skull base tumor.