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. 2011 Mar-Apr;77(2):201-13.
doi: 10.1590/s1808-86942011000200010.

Otolaryngology and speech therapy evaluation in the assessment of oropharyngeal dysphagia: a combined protocol proposal

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Patrícia Paula Santoro  1 , Cristina Lemos Barbosa Furia, Ana Paola Forte, Elza Maria Lemos, Roberta Ismael Garcia, Raquel Aguiar Tavares, Rui Imamura
Affiliations

Otolaryngology and speech therapy evaluation in the assessment of oropharyngeal dysphagia: a combined protocol proposal

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Patrícia Paula Santoro et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2011 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Dysphagia is a symptom associated with an array of anatomical and functional changes which must be assessed by a multidisciplinary team to guarantee optimal evaluation and treatment, preventing potential complications.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to present the combined protocol of clinical and swallowing videoendoscopy carried by ENT doctors and speech therapists in the Dysphagia Group of the ENT Department - University Hospital.

Materials and methods: Retrospective study concerning the use of a protocol made up of patient interview and clinical examination, followed by an objective evaluation with swallowing videoendoscopy. The exam was performed in 1,332 patients from May 2001 to December 2008. There were 726 (54.50%) males and 606 (45.50%) females, between 22 days and 99 years old.

Results: We found: 427 (32.08%) cases of normal swallowing, 273 (20.48%) mild dysphagia, 224 (16.81%) moderate dysphagia, 373 (27.99%) severe dysphagia and 35 (2.64%) inconclusive exams.

Conclusion: The combined protocol (Otolaryngology and Speech Therapy), is a good way to approach the dysphagic patient, helping to achieve early and safe deglutition diagnosis as far as disorder severity and treatment are concerned.

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Figures

Figure 1a
Figure 1a
Thick liquid preparation using a food thickener.
Figure 1b
Figure 1b
Pasty consistency preparation using a food thickener.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Positioning the patient in order to do the deglutitions videoendoscopy. Patient seating down with the neck in mild ventroflexion.
Figure 3a
Figure 3a
Positioning the fiberoptic device in order to assess the rhinopharynx structure.
Figure 3b
Figure 3b
Rhinopharynx structures and velopharyngeal closure.
Figure 4a
Figure 4a
Positioning the fiberoptic device in order to carefully examine the pharynx and larynx.
Figure 4b
Figure 4b
Pharyngolaryngeal structures and glottic closure.
Figure 5a
Figure 5a
Positioning the device in order to assess the deglutition function.
Figure 5b
Figure 5b
Panoramic view of the Pharyngo-laryngeal structures for a functional assessment of deglutition.
Figure 6a
Figure 6a
White out phase: light blockage because of pharyngeal contraction.
Figure 6b
Figure 6b
Endoscopic view of the White out phase.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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