Swallowing in Trans-oral Surgery for Oro-pharyngeal Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Trans-oral surgery for oro-pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: An exploration of early swallow dysfunction and patient experience Predicting early tube feeding requirements or diet/fluid modification & Exploring patient experience of swallowing dysfunction and tube feeding
IRAS ID
222470
Contact name
Mary Cooke
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 27 days
Research summary
Background: 'Transoral resection' is a surgical technique used in the treatment of a specific cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) that occurs in the back of the mouth or gullet. Because structures in the mouth and throat control the swallow mechanism, swallowing problems can occur after this surgery. This can impact health (through poor nutrition and chest infections) and quality of life. Few studies have described the swallow in the early stages following surgery, or compared either the structures involved in surgery or the size of the surgical defect with resulting swallow changes. The need for tube feeding or ‘texture modification’ of food or drink post operatively is therefore difficult to predict. This affects both the ability to inform patients about expected outcomes of surgery and to plan for tube feeding or maximise nutrition around the time of surgery and in the weeks that follow.
Objectives:
(i) Explore the relationship between the site and size of surgical defect and early tube feeding / texture modification requirements,
(ii) Describe the pattern of Speech & Language Therapists’ (swallow specialists) interactions with this cohort and
(iii) Explore, in-depth, the lived experience of this cohort with a focus on swallowing.
Design: Data collected from approximately 45 case-notes, from the Manchester Head and Neck Cancer service (2001-present) will be analysed to investigate objectives (i) and (ii). A total of 6 patients from this group will be interviewed and the data qualitatively analysed to explore objective (iii).
Purpose: Combined data from the elements of the study will offer valuable insight into patient experience and provide initial data on the predictability of tube feeding and texture modification requirements post-surgery. This information allows improved patient information and supports maximisation of nutrition management. Insights gained in this small study can also inform future, larger scale studies in this area.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0695
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion