Resumen

CELEDON L, Carlos et al. Swallowing assessment in early laryngeal cancer patients treated either with surgery or radiotherapy. Rev. Otorrinolaringol. Cir. Cabeza Cuello [online]. 2008, vol.68, n.2, pp. 157-163. ISSN 0718-4816.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-48162008000200007.

Introduction. Swallowing is a complex neuromuscular process that requires anatomical indemnity andan adequate coordination ofseveral organs. Laryngeal cáncer treatment may cause swallowing disorders. Tradltionally, a hlgh frequency ofthis type of disorder after surgery has been reponed, but no actual data concerning its incidence in patients undergoing radiotherapy for early laryngeal cáncer has been published. Aim. To compare swallowing disorders frequency posterior to treatment in early laryngeal cáncer patients. Material and Method. Two groups of early laryngeal cáncer patients were transversallystudied, one treatedwith verticalpartialsurgery(CP), andtheothertreated exclusively with radiotherapy. Each patient had otorhinolaryngological, nasofibroscopic and videofluoroscopic evaluations after treatment. Differences between groups were compared using the _-square test. Results. Twenty patients pergroup were entered in this study predominantly males of similar age. Both groups presented a high incidence ofaspiration symptoms (55% in RT and 35% in CP). There were no significant differences between both groups. Discussion and Conclusión. A high incidence of swallowing disorders in patients treated for early laryngeal cáncer was found. It should then be considered as a frequent alteration in this group of patients, either treated with RT or CP.

Palabras clave : Cancer larynx; radiotherapy; surgery; swallowing.