BACKGROUND: Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: To determine which components of the swallowing disorders quality of life (SWAL-QOL) survey are most relevant to assess dysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Summary of background data: The SWAL-QOL survey is an instrument that has been applied to patients undergoing ACSS procedures as a means of objectifying swallow function. However, the SWAL-QOL is lengthy, cumbersome, and primarily used for otolaryngological procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing ACSS procedures were administered the SWAL-QOL prior to surgery and at 6- and 12-week postoperative visits. The preoperative and postoperative SWAL-QOL scores were compared using paired t tests. Questions with statistically and clinically significant postoperative changes were used to create an abridged survey. RESULTS: Fifty patients completed surveys at all 3 encounters and were included in the analysis. The total scaled score at 6 weeks was significantly lower than the preoperative score (P = .003) but returned to near baseline scores by 12 weeks (P = .178). Five sections had significantly lower scores at both postoperative visits compared to their respective preoperative values. Additionally, 13 individual questions had significantly lower scores at both postoperative visits, while 8 had significantly lower scores at only 1 of the postoperative visits. Of these 21 questions demonstrating statistical significance, 16 also demonstrated a clinically significant decrease (>5.0%) from preoperative scores. These 16 questions were included in the abridged survey developed for use in ACSS patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that several questions in the full SWAL-QOL questionnaire demonstrated minor or no changes at postoperative visits following ACSS. As a result, we propose a modified, 16-question SWAL-QOL survey including only questions that were both statistically and clinically significant. This truncated survey may be better suited for use in cervical spine patients.
BACKGROUND: Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: To determine which components of the swallowing disorders quality of life (SWAL-QOL) survey are most relevant to assess dysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Summary of background data: The SWAL-QOL survey is an instrument that has been applied to patients undergoing ACSS procedures as a means of objectifying swallow function. However, the SWAL-QOL is lengthy, cumbersome, and primarily used for otolaryngological procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing ACSS procedures were administered the SWAL-QOL prior to surgery and at 6- and 12-week postoperative visits. The preoperative and postoperative SWAL-QOL scores were compared using paired t tests. Questions with statistically and clinically significant postoperative changes were used to create an abridged survey. RESULTS: Fifty patients completed surveys at all 3 encounters and were included in the analysis. The total scaled score at 6 weeks was significantly lower than the preoperative score (P = .003) but returned to near baseline scores by 12 weeks (P = .178). Five sections had significantly lower scores at both postoperative visits compared to their respective preoperative values. Additionally, 13 individual questions had significantly lower scores at both postoperative visits, while 8 had significantly lower scores at only 1 of the postoperative visits. Of these 21 questions demonstrating statistical significance, 16 also demonstrated a clinically significant decrease (>5.0%) from preoperative scores. These 16 questions were included in the abridged survey developed for use in ACSS patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that several questions in the full SWAL-QOL questionnaire demonstrated minor or no changes at postoperative visits following ACSS. As a result, we propose a modified, 16-question SWAL-QOL survey including only questions that were both statistically and clinically significant. This truncated survey may be better suited for use in cervical spine patients.
Authors: Colleen A McHorney; Joanne Robbins; Kevin Lomax; John C Rosenbek; Kimberly Chignell; Amy E Kramer; D Earl Bricker Journal: Dysphagia Date: 2002 Impact factor: 3.438
Authors: Paul C McAfee; Andrew Cappuccino; Bryan W Cunningham; John G Devine; Frank M Phillips; John J Regan; Todd J Albert; Jeanette E Ahrens Journal: J Spinal Disord Tech Date: 2010-02
Authors: Hanna Tervonen; Mika Niemelä; Eija-Riitta Lauri; Leif Back; Anja Juvas; Pirjo Räsänen; Risto P Roine; Harri Sintonen; Tapani Salmi; S Erkki Vilkman; Leena-Maija Aaltonen Journal: J Neurosurg Spine Date: 2007-08
Authors: Ichiro Okano; Courtney Ortiz Miller; Stephan N Salzmann; Yushi Hoshino; Jennifer Shue; Andrew A Sama; Frank P Cammisa; Federico P Girardi; Alexander P Hughes Journal: Clin Orthop Relat Res Date: 2020-10 Impact factor: 4.755