Correlation between oral and oropharyngeal resection subsites and impact of reconstruction on speech and swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review

This review aims to provide a correlation between oral and oropharyngeal subsites and type of reconstruction used in the management of head and neck cancer patients. A literature search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science was conducted. All study types describing long-term speech and swallow outcomes of adults following head and neck oncological reconstruction, which used a subsite classification, were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Robbins-1 tool. A total of 2270 patients were found in 26 studies. The number of subsites/studies ranged from 2 to 18. Subsites were predominantly divided on an anatomical basis. Other classifications included functionally grouped subsites. Seven articles considered combinations, unilateral and bilateral defects. Base of tongue, FOM, and defects crossing the midline are negatively correlated with post-operative speech and swallow. Lateral distributions were associated with superior outcomes. The University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) was the most prevalent tool for speech and swallow assessment. Other factors that significantly affect speech and swallow outcomes include adjuvant therapy, size, type of reconstruction (free flap compared to pedicled or local). The role of neoadjuvant therapy remains unknown. A consistent and formalised approach including risk stratification for multiple contributing factors would be useful in clinical pre- and post-operative management.