Some aspects of complex rehabilitation of patients with acquired defects and deformities of the oropharyngeal area

The aim of this study was to assess the features of disturbed food intake and find ways to optimize rehabilitation and resocialization processes for patients with acquired defects and deformities of the oropharyngeal zone.

Materials and methods. The study included 86 patients of a surgical hospital with defects and deformities of the oropharyngeal zone: 59 men and 27 women. The degree of dysphagia was assessed using clinical scales: volumeviscosity swallow test (V-VST) and swallowing disability scale (SDS). Rehabilitation measures to normalize swallowing were performed in the experimental group (I), which consisted of 42 patients. The control group (II) consisted of 40 patients and was not included in the restorative effect. The groups were balanced according to the severity of the disorder, sex and age. Comparative analysis of the severity of impaired swallowing before and after rehabilitation and evaluation of its effectiveness were conducted.

Results. Data from the study of the dysphagia degree on the SDS scale for the whole sample (n = 82) suggest that the degree of disorder manifestation depends on the location and extent of anatomical defect. Moreover, comparative analysis suggests that the presence of a combined defect exacerbates the severity of dysphagia. Step-by-step speech therapy in the control group aimed at overcoming swallowing disorders included adaptive, compensatory and restorative strategies used in various combinations depending on the location of the defect and the severity of dysphagia. The comparison of the repeated assessment data on dysphagia severity in two groups of patients (I and II) showed that the rehabilitation measures had a positive impact.

Conclusion. Thus, we can state that speech therapy, which is a non-drug and non-invasive rehabilitation method, allows patients to successfully normalize eating process, helps in preventing cachexia-anorexia and dehydration, which is important for a successful postoperative period, as well as for improving the life quality of patients.

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