EP 51: Dysphagia post cardiac surgery with Cara Donohue

Dysphagia is an under-recognised but clinically important complication following cardiac surgery. In this episode, Prof. Cara Donohue discusses why dysphagia can occur despite surgery being anatomically distant from the swallowing mechanism. We explore the complexities of dysphagia in patients post cardiac surgery, highlighting risk factors, prevalence, assessment methods, and potential interventions. Cara shares her research findings and clinical perspectives, emphasising the importance of early detection and proactive management to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

Topics covered

• Why dysphagia occurs after cardiac surgery
• Mechanisms contributing to postoperative swallowing impairment
• Prevalence and potential under-recognition of dysphagia in this population
• Typical clinical and instrumental findings
• Surgical and perioperative risk factors
• Consequences for recovery and patient outcomes
• The role of prehabilitation and respiratory strength training
• Identifying patients who may benefit from preoperative interventions
• Key clinical messages for SLTs in cardiothoracic settings