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Acta clinica Croatica, Vol. 59. No. Supplement 1, 2020.

Review article

Thyroidectomy-related Swallowing Difficulties: Review of the Literature

Ana Đanić Hadžibegović ; Clinical Department for EN T and Head and Neck Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Centre; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia; School of Medicine, Zagreb University, Croatia
Filip Hergešić ; School of Medicine, Zagreb University, Croatia
Ema Babić ; Clinical Department for EN T and Head and Neck Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Centre
Juraj Slipac ; Clinical Department for EN T and Head and Neck Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Centre
Ratko Prstačić orcid id orcid.org/0000-0003-3623-3562 ; Clinical Department for EN T and Head and Neck Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Centre; Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences University of Zagreb, Croatia

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Abstract

This study aims to provide insight into the etiology and frequency of swallowing
complications that arise after thyroidectomy and to outline the available diagnostic procedures by revising
the existing literature on this topic. We conducted a bibliographic search using the electronic
database MEDLINE /PubMed to identify all relevant articles and 44 studies were included in the
review out of a total of 218 published articles. Dysphagia after thyroid surgery is a common postoperative
complication which, in the short- or long-term, significantly affects patient life quality. There
is no standard diagnostic protocol for thyroidectomy-related swallowing impairment. Among the reviewed
studies, 8 questionnaires and 12 instrumental diagnostic tools were used to identify swallowing
difficulties related to thyroid surgery. The Swallowing Impairment Index (SIS-6) was the most-used
questionnaire. Fiberoptic endoscopy is a standard diagnostic tool performed prior and after thyroid
surgery, primarily to identify changes in vocal fold mobility. Although instrumental findings usually
reveal non-specific alterations of swallowing; swallowing videofluoroscopy and esophageal manometry
can be the most helpful tools in further management of thyroidectomy dysphagia. In patients with
thyroidectomy-related swallowing difficulties and suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux, 24-hour MII -
pH metry should be performed.

Keywords

thyroidectomy; swallowing disorders; dysphagia

Hrčak ID:

247896

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/247896

Publication date:

1.11.2020.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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