PURPOSE: To detect and characterize alterations in the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing as well as to verify the occurrence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in patients submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: The study consisted of 30 individuals hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Mario Covas State Hospital, who received invasive mechanical ventilation. They were all submitted twice to endoscopic evaluation for swallowing disorders in the first and second week after extubation. Alterations were observed in the oro-pharyngeal phase of swallowing and also the presence of penetration and laryngeal aspiration. RESULTS: In the first evaluation, alterations in the oral phase were observed in 19 patients (63.3%) and in the second evaluation, in 12 (40%) patients. Alterations in the pharyngeal phase were present in the first evaluation in 27 (90%) and in the second evaluation, in 8 (26.7%) patients. The penetration and laryngeal aspiration were present in both evaluations and resulted different for each tested meal consistency and volume. CONCLUSION: The population submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation after extubation presents alterations in the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing characterized by several impairments and followed by penetration and laryngeal aspiration.
Deglutition disorders; Deglutition disorders; Respiration, artificial; Ventilators, mechanical
