Evaluation of the improvement of laryngeal penetration using complete lateral position through videoendoscopic evaluation of swallowing in patients with dysphagia

Abstract

AbstractAimSome patients with severe dysphagia can eat in a complete lateral position. On this basis, we assessed whether the laryngeal penetration that can occur during videoendoscopic examination of swallowing could be reduced when patients were evaluated in this position.MethodsPatients who underwent videoendoscopic examination of swallowing during hospitalization at Towada City Hospital were at high risk of aspiration in the sitting position and were introduced to the complete lateral position method were included in the study. The penetration–aspiration scale score was evaluated and compared for patients in the sitting and complete lateral positions.ResultsA total of 19 patients (14 men and 5 women, mean age 84.9 ± 5.6 y, mean body mass index 17.9 ± 3.7) were included in the study. The penetration–aspiration scale score was as follows: the sitting position: 4 points, n = 1; 5 points, n = 1; 6 points, n = 11; 7 points, n = 3; 8 points, n = 3; the complete lateral position: 1 point, n = 15; 2 points, n = 2; 3 points, n = 1; 6 points, n = 1. The laryngeal penetration score improved significantly from the sitting position to the complete lateral position (p < 0.001) and 15 patients (78.9%) were able to eat at discharge.ConclusionThe complete lateral position improves laryngeal penetration and may allow patients with dysphagia to continue to eat.