Study of the application of negative pressure suctioning via visual suction tube for oral secretion removal in patients with post-stroke dysphagia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of negative pressure suctioning via visual suction tube on the removal of oral secretions in patients with post-stroke dysphagia （PSD）. MethodsNinety-six patients with PSD were randomly divided into the treatment and control groups, with 48 patients in each group. In the treatment group, negative pressure suctioning was given via visual suction tube, while traditional suctioning via disposable suction tube was delivered in the control group. The effects of oral secretion removal, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, oral cleanliness, visual analog comfort, duration of negative pressure suction, oral mucosal damage, WBC, CRP, oral flora, and oral pH value were observed in both groups. ResultsNo oral mucosal damage occurred in either group. Visual negative pressure suction significantly smoothed the heart rate, with a statistically significant difference between two groups （P < 0.05）. Intra-group comparation showed that blood oxygen saturation and oral cleanliness in patients with PSD were improved in two groups （all P < 0.01）. After corresponding interventions, compared with the control group, visual analog comfort was enhanced and the duration of negative pressure suction was shortened in the treatment group, and oral cleanliness was also improved（all P < 0.05）. Following respective interventions, oral flora and oral pH value in patients with PSD were improved in two groups （all P < 0.01）. After interventions, compared with the control group, WBC, CRP and oral flora were decreased （all P < 0.05）, and oral pH value was increased in the treatment group （P < 0.000 1）. Negative pressure suctioning via visual suction tube exerted better effect on removing oral secretions in patients with PSD. ConclusionsNegative pressure suctioning of oral secretions can improve blood oxygen saturation and smooth heart rate. Negative pressure suctioning via visual suction tube can effectively eliminate oral secretions, improve patient comfort, shorten the duration of negative pressure suctioning, reduce WBC, CRP and oral flora, and increase oral pH value in PSD patients.