Management of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Post Hemi- Mandibuloglossectomy

Dysphagia is a growing concern in patients with tongue cancer that leads to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, reduced functional abilities, and fear of eating and drinking which can also lead to depression and reduced quality of life. Glossectomy is removal of the entire or parts of the tongue which may lead to difficulty in swallowing, speech, breathing activities etc. Rehabilitating patients with glossectomy pose a great challenge for the clinicians and hence a careful observation and evaluation of residual oral function should be always carried out in such patients. This article throws light on management of swallowing difficulty secondary to hemi-mandibuloglossectomy in a 79 year old male patient with tracheostomy and Ryle’s Naso-Gastric tube with the attempt of restoring the speech and function of the patient through speech and swallowing therapy.