Topics:
Head and Neck Cancers • Radiation Oncology
How do you manage postoperative head and neck cancer patients who have difficulty completing simulation due to copious secretions?
Aside from suctioning, what are other measures could be helpful?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
In addition to elevating the head/shoulders as much as technically feasible, if there aren't contraindications, I've used a scopolamine patch applied two days before the sim with variable success.
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Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Use a wedge to elevate the head and shoulders.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
For the general problem of excessive secretions, some options to consider include: scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, and atropine drops under the tongue.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
In addition to medical management such as scopolamine (which I have found to be helpful), we have used a suction machine that patients or caregivers may use prior to and after treatment. Having the machine available may help with the anxiety that can be part of this. Even using a nasal cannula can h...