Hiroshima University May 8 2026 A Hiroshima University study of more than 31,000 patients found that pneumonia occurred more often after breathing tubes were removed than during ventilation, with most cases developing within a 1–2 week window after surgery. The findings suggest this underrecognized condition may be a distinct clinical entity linked to swallowing dysfunction-and that early assessment and intervention, including identification of high-risk patients, may be key to prevention and