Oropharyngeal function study: radiologic means of evaluating swallowing difficulty

Abstract

The oropharyngeal function study is a videotaped radiographic examination of the oropharynx and cervical esophagus used in patients who are at major risk for aspiration because of swallowing difficulty. Preceding the radiographic evaluation, the patient is assessed clinically by a swallowing therapist who attends the examination with the radiologist. Close cooperation between the therapist and radiologist better defines the specific swallowing problems, avoids inadvertent aspiration of large amounts of contrast material, and best directs proper management of the patient. We describe our cooperative approach to evaluating oropharyngeal dysphagia.