I agree completely with Gary. I asked about that during my post radiation recovery period and was told by my ENT that it would serve no purpose other than to make me uncomfortable. Swallowing is a learned skill to a degree, and improvement in function following sugery/radiation is accomplished through therapy and exercise. My ability to swallow nearly disappeared during my stay in the hospital ( I had a feeding tube, and a trach, so it was out of the question for a couple of weeks. It did take several months however to regain it afterwards though.
Wayne


SCC left mandible TIVN0M0 40% of jaw removed, rebuilt using fibula, titanium and tissue from forearm.June 06. 30 IMRT Aug.-Oct. 06