{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Swallowing-related quality of life after free flap surgery due to cancer of the head and neck.
{Author}: Lahtinen S;Koivunen P;Ala-Kokko T;Kaarela O;Laurila P;Liisanantti JH;
{Journal}: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
{Volume}: 276
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: Mar 2019
{Factor}: 3.236
{DOI}: 10.1007/s00405-018-05264-w
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC) often leads to impairment in speech and swallowing functions. This study evaluated swallowing problems and the impact of complications on swallowing-related QOL after free flap surgery for HNC.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Swallowing-related QOL was assessed using MDADI and SWAL questionnaires.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Of 45 assessed patients, 25 (45.5%) had at least one postoperative complication. Patients reported less than < 86 points in 8/9 SWAL-QOL domains. The SWAL-QL total score or MDADI composite scores were not related to surgical complications. Those with medical complications had lower scores in SWAL-QOL domains of mental health (82.8 (21.8) vs 65.5 (24.2), p = 0.024) and sleep (77.6 (23.0) vs 52.3 (24.3), p = 0.003).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In conclusion, swallowing related QOL is significantly impaired after 2 years of the tumor resection and free flap reconstruction for cancer of the head and neck, when using the cut-off value of 86 points in SWAL-QOL assessment tool. Surgical complications did not have an impact on swallowing-related QOL but medical complications were related to impairment in general QOL-related domains.