[Endoscopic video imaging of configuration changes in the larynx and pharynx during selected swallowing techniques].

BACKGROUND

Traditional dysphagia therapy (TDT) aims to improve swallowing by means of compensatory strategies including postural changes or swallowing maneuvers. These techniques are mainly applied in order to modify swallowing by affecting bolus transport to facilitate safe swallowing. Videos demonstrating actual, laryngoscopically verified effects on the pharyngeal and laryngeal structures involved are rare in the current literature. This paper aims to assess various maneuvers used in TDT endoscopically.

METHOD

A selective literature search for endoscopic imaging of swallowing maneuvers and postural changes applied in TDT was performed in PubMed.

RESULTS

Each of the techniques commonly used in TDT influenced the pharyngeal or laryngeal structures distinctly.

DISCUSSION

All of the techniques examined for this paper represent techniques commonly applied in traditional dysphagia therapy. The specific changes observed endoscopically of the anatomic structures involved are distinct, but sometimes seem only marginal in comparison to the initial configurations. It should hence not be surprising that these swallowing techniques occasionally only slightly improve swallowing. The videos included in this article demonstrate the actual impact of the swallowing techniques and may therefore be of use to physicians prescribing and implementing TDT.