Alteration of the oral environment in patients undergoing esophagectomy during the perioperative period

Objective: During the perioperative period, oral ingestion is changed considerably in esophagectomy patients. The aim of this study was to investigate oral environment modifications in patients undergoing esophageal cancer treatments due to changes in dietary intake and swallowing functions. Material and Methods: Thirty patients who underwent operation for removal of esophageal cancer in Tokushima University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Results: It was found that 1) the flow rate of resting saliva decreased significantly at postoperative period by deprived feeding for one week, ...