Faculty Collaboration Database

Effects of postural change on aspiration in head and neck surgical patients. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1994 Feb;110(2):222-7

Date

02/01/1994

Pubmed ID

8108157

DOI

10.1177/019459989411000212

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0028348024 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   125 Citations

Abstract

This study was designed to define the effects of postural change on liquid aspiration during videofluorographic examination of oropharyngeal swallow in head and neck surgical patients. Thirty-two patients were given two swallows of five different amounts of liquid barium as tolerated. When aspiration occurred, the patient's head and/or body position was changed, new posture being determined by the swallowing disorder identified as the cause of the aspiration. Postural techniques were successful in eliminating aspiration on at least one volume of liquid in 81% of these patients. Patients in all surgical groups were able to use postures with equal success. A variety of positions were used in each type of surgical patient, indicating that these patients exhibited a variety of swallowing problems. Results emphasize the importance of introducing postural techniques during the radiographic study of oropharyngeal swallow to facilitate safe oral intake of liquids.

Author List

Logemann JA, Rademaker AW, Pauloski BR, Kahrilas PJ

Author

Barbara R. Pauloski PhD, CCC-SLP Associate Professor in the Communication Sciences & Disorders department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Barium
Deglutition Disorders
Female
Fluoroscopy
Humans
Inhalation
Male
Middle Aged
Posture
Videotape Recording