[Diagnosis and management of dysphagia in patients with tracheostomy tube after cardiac surgery: an early screening protocol].

Scope: Patients with tracheostomy tube after major cardiac surgery undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation Program often present swallowing disorders that need a specific evaluation. This study aimed at validating the usefulness of a swallowing screen protocol in order to obtain an early assessment of dysphagia and to prevent aspiration, malnutrition and dehydration risks.

Materials And Methods: The protocol has been applied to 38 consecutive patients with tracheostomy tube after cardiac surgery between September 2007 and December 2009.