Evaluation of swallowing disorders: the modified barium swallow.

Swallowing is a complex process. The diagnosis and treatment of swallowing dysfunction are more objective due mostly to recent research. The performance of a barium swallow, modified to study the dynamics of swallowing and its value in the management of patients with swallowing dysfunction, is described. The conventional barium swallow assesses structure and function of the thoracic esophagus, including gastroesophageal reflux and its sequelae. The modified barium swallow is a dynamic technique designed to evaluate swallowing function and dysfunction as it relates to the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing.