Effect of Post-Operative Structured Oral Exercise therapy on swallowing function in oral cavity cancer patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial(POSE-SWALLOW)

This study aims to study the effect of postoperative oral exercises on swallowing function in terms of dysphagia, aspiration and oropharyngeal residues.The primary objective of the study remains to assess the effect of post-operative Structured Oral Exercise Therapy (POSE) on swallowing function as assessed by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in oral cavity cancer patients compared to those who receive standard  care (SC) at 4-6 weeks  and 4-6 months post-surgery. Secondary objectives include assessment of effect of POSE on functional outcomes and quality of life. All patients aged  18-75 years with ECOG PS 1-2and  histopathologically proven operable squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity patients with stage (cT1-4b N1-3 M0) undergoing resection of primary tumor with or without reconstructive procedures with curative intent and patients who can tolerate atleast a thin liquid diet by postoperative day 10 of surgery will be included in the study whereas patients with recurrent oral cavity cancers,previous history of pharyngeal or esophageal malignancy or existing difficulty in swallowing due to causes other than current malignancy eg.hemiparesis, neuromuscular disorder etc. and patients not giving informed consentwill be excluded from the study. Post-operative Structured Oral Exercise Therapy (POSE) is expected to improve swallowing function in oral cavity cancer patients compared to patients who receive standard  care (SC) in post-operative period.