The Efficacy of Palatal Augmentation Prostheses for Speech and Swallowing in Patients Undergoing Glossectomy: a Review of the Literature

This article provides a review of the literature to assist the clinician in determining the efficacy of palatal augmentation prosthesis regarding speech and swallowing for the patient undergoing glossectomy. A MEDLINE search was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles published from 1966 to July 2002 that addressed the question of the efficacy of this prosthesis to improve speech and swallowing after partial or total glossectomy were included. Studies reviewed had to incorporate an objective evaluation of one or both functions. Nine of 130 studies met the selection criteria (4 retrospective, 1 case control, and 4 case reports). A total of 50 subjects were studied, 42 for swallowing and 37 for speech. In 36/42 subjects, treatment was advantageous for swallowing and in 32/37 subjects, it was advantageous for speech. On the basis of the limited evidence available, the functional efficacy of the palatal augmentation prosthesis is supported.