Questionnaire analysis of swallowing-related outcomes following glossectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of a partial/total glossectomy on the swallow-related quality of life (QOL).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, single-centre cohort study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-one patients who underwent partial/total glossectomy at our centre participated in the study. Main outcome was measured using the MD Andersen Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 24 males and 7 females (response rate of 77.5%) with a median age of 50 years (range: 28-72). Median follow-up in patients was 33 months (range 4-210). The mean MDADI total score in our series of patients was 71.7 (SD 18.8). Mean MDADI global score was 64.5 (SD 29.1), mean Emotional score was 71.9 (SD 19.1), mean Functional score was 73.7 (SD 19.1) and mean Physical score was 69.3 (SD 21.7). Statistically significant differences were seen between the global, emotional and physical scores of patients who had received radiotherapy (Mann-Whitney, p < 0.05) and tracheostomy (functional score, Mann-Whitney, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

The presence of tracheostomy tube and previous radiotherapy affects swallowing outcome in patients who have had surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.