ABSTRACT
@#Objective To explore oropharyngeal swallowing disorders with videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Methods 16 patients with dysphagia accepted VFSS with 10 ml of thin barium meal (50% w/v), thick barium meal (270% w/v), biscuit coated with thick barium meal in single swallow. Their swallowing function was observed on the lateral and anterior/posterior planes, including: symmetry of pyriform sinuses, oral transit time, presence of pharyngeal delay, pharyngeal transit time, oral and pharyngeal residue, and presence of aspiration.Results 5 patients demonstrated oral swallowing disorder. 3 patients demonstrated pharyngeal swallowing disorders, that was pharyngeal delay which caused in aspiration after swallowing. 8 patients demonstrated oropharyngeal swallowing disorders, and 3 of them presented aspiration,2 patients were silent aspirators, 1 was aspiration before and 1 after swallowing. The aspiration time could not be judged from the videofluoroscopy in the other one. For 4 patients with aspiration, 3 were severe, with more than 25% of the bolus aspirated, and 1 aspirated less than 5%. Conclusion VFSS can be helpful to plan individual rehabilitation.