TABLE 3.
Postoperative day 3–5 swallowing parameters: early FEES evaluation 3–5 days post-TORS with FOIS and PSS-HN assessments for 82 patients
| Variable | Level | N = 82 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 day FEES PAS | 1 | 7 (8.9) |
| 2 | 4 (5.1) | |
| 3 | 11 (13.9) | |
| 4 | 5 (6.3) | |
| 5 | 12 (15.2) | |
| 6 | 7 (8.9) | |
| 7 | 14 (17.7) | |
| 8 | 19 (24.1) | |
| Missing | 3 | |
| Continue tube feeds | Yes | 70 (86.4) |
| No | 11 (13.6) | |
| Missing | 1 | |
| 3–5 day diet recommendation | NPO | 1 (1.2) |
| Soft | 3 (3.7) | |
| Puree | 5 (6.1) | |
| Full liquids | 17 (20.7) | |
| Tx feeds | 56 (68.3) | |
| 3–5 day diet strategies (#) | 0 | 9 (11.0) |
| 1 | 7 (8.5) | |
| 2 | 39 (47.6) | |
| 3 | 19 (23.2) | |
| 4 | 8 (9.8) | |
| Thickened liquids (3–5 day postoperative) | Yes | 20 (25.3) |
| No | 59 (74.7) | |
| Missing | 3 | |
| 3–5 day FOIS | Tube dependent w/minimal/inconsistent intake | 44 (55.0) |
| Tube supplements with consistent oral intake | 23 (28.8) | |
| Total oral intake | 7 (8.8) | |
| Total oral intake of multiple consistencies requiring special preparation | 3 (3.8) | |
| Total oral intake with no special preparation, but must avoid specific foods or liquid items | 3 (3.8) | |
| Missing | 2 | |
| 3–5 day PSS-HN | Cold liquids | 15 (18.5) |
| Warm liquids | 49 (60.5) | |
| Pureed foods | 6 (7.4) | |
| Soft foods requiring no chewing | 8 (9.9) | |
| Soft chewable foods | 3 (3.7) | |
| Missing | 1 |
Note: PAS scores (1–2) considered within normal limits; scores (3–8) represent increasing impairment of airway protection.
Abbreviations: FEES PAS, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing – Penetration-Aspiration Scale; FOIS, Functional Oral Intake Scale; NPO, nothing by mouth; PSS-HN, Performance Status Scale - Head and Neck.