Investigating the Correlation Between Dysphagia Symptoms and Swallowing Muscle Groups by High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry With Impedance, Along With the Associated Nutritional Assessment

Backgrounds: Some patients would experience dysphagia symptoms before the elective surgery. These patients usually do not have a history of head and neck surgery or cerebrovascular diseases. They are common causes of dysphagia. The anesthetics and airway manipulation can exacerbate dysphagia. However, research is limited on the specific weak muscle groups in patients with dysphagia symptoms, as well as on the existence of associated malnutrition.

Aims: The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire will be used to assess dysphagia symptoms. A score of ≥4 on the EAT-10 indicates the presence of dysphagia symptoms, while a score of <4 indicates the absence. This study aims to (1) investigate which specific muscle groups are particularly weak in patients with dysphagia symptoms (EAT-10≥4); (2) to examine whether patients with dysphagia symptoms (EAT-10≥4) have poorer nutritional status than patients without dysphagia symptoms (EAT-10<4).

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The investigators will recruit patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery on the lower extremities, with the age range of 18 to 90 years. On the day of admission, patients will be examined by the EAT-10 questionnaire for dysphagia symptoms. High-resolution pharyngeal manometry with impedance will be conducted to measure the functional of swallowing muscles. Additionally, patients will be given the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire (a total score of 30 points). The higher scores indicate the better nutritional status. The albumin level will also be collected. The bioelectrical impedance analysis will be used to measure the patients' body composition, specifically skeletal muscle mass.