Effect of the reclining position in patients after oral tumor surgery

Objectives: This study investigated the effectsof reclining position on swallowing functionsin the patients who had undergone surgery fororal tumors. Subjects and Methods: 53 Patientsafter oral tumor surgery who had undergone thevideofluoroscopic swallowing study in the sittingposition and reclining position were sampled. Wemeasured Oral transit time (OTT), Pharyngealtransit time (PTT), Penetration-Aspiration scale,Locating of the leading edge of bolus at swallowonset, Route of bolus transit and Transit velocity.Results: Laryngeal penetration and aspiration wereless likely to occur in the reclining position. Themean OTT was significantly shorter in the recliningposition than in the sitting position. The leadingedge of bolus at swallow onset was significantlylower in the reclining position than in the sittingposition. The bolus went along the posterior wallof the pharynx in more patients in the recliningposition. The mean PTT and the transit velocitydid not significantly differ between the recliningposition and the sitting position. Conclusion: Thisstudy suggested that, in patients after surgeryon oral tumors, the reclining position is a usefulposture to aid oral transit and to readily preventaspiration and laryngeal penetration.