Supplementary Material for: Postoperative swallowing function in patients with deep neck infection

Introduction: Early detection of dysphagia risk, initiating rehabilitation, and resumption of appropriate diet based on swallowing function is important during deep neck infection control. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of cervical abscess development, particularly in the deep neck space, and its relationship to postoperative swallowing function. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all deep neck infection cases treated between April 2015 and April 2021. Deep neck spaces were divided into categories based on computed tomography (CT) findings. Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores of 4 or higher was defined as normal or slight swallowing disorder, and 3 or lower as dysphagia. Results: 17 cases were included in the analysis. Based on FOIS, 14 cases were classified into the dysphagia group at 2 weeks after surgery, 11 cases at 4 weeks, and 8 cases at 8 weeks. There was no significant difference between the location of the abscess and dysphagia at 2 weeks after surgery. Patients with anterior cervical space abscess significantly increased dysphagia 4 weeks (p= 0.018) and 8 weeks (p= 0.036) after surgery. Conclusion: Abscess formation in the anterior cervical space may be associated with prolonged dysphagia after treatment due to inflammation and scarring of the muscles associated with swallowing.引言：在深层颈部感染的管控过程中，早期识别吞咽障碍（dysphagia）风险、启动康复干预，并依据吞咽功能恢复适宜饮食，均具有重要临床意义。本研究旨在评估颈部脓肿（尤其是颈深部间隙脓肿）的发展程度，及其与术后吞咽功能的关联。 方法：本研究对2015年4月至2021年4月期间收治的所有深层颈部感染病例开展回顾性病历审查。依据计算机断层扫描（computed tomography, CT）结果，将颈深部间隙进行分类。以功能口腔进食量表（Functional Oral Intake Scale, FOIS）评分≥4分定义为吞咽功能正常或轻度吞咽障碍，评分≤3分则判定为吞咽障碍。 结果：本研究共纳入17例病例进行分析。依据FOIS评分，术后2周时有14例被归入吞咽障碍组，术后4周时为11例，术后8周时为8例。术后2周时，脓肿位置与吞咽障碍未呈现显著相关性。颈前间隙脓肿患者在术后4周（p=0.018）及术后8周（p=0.036）的吞咽障碍发生率显著升高。 结论：颈前间隙脓肿的形成，可能因吞咽相关肌肉的炎症反应与瘢痕形成，与治疗后长期持续的吞咽障碍存在关联。