Current Review of Various Surgical Options for the Treatment of Dysphagia / 대한연하장애학회지

ABSTRACT

Swallowing is a complex process in which solid or liquid food material is transported from the mouth to the stomach.Dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty in the passage of food material along this alimentary tract. Problems related to swallowing can lead to complications such as respiratory infection or even respiratory failure due to aspiration. Malnutrition due to various nutritional deficiencies can also be caused by chronic dysphagia. Hence, adequate timing along with application of proper treatment methods for dysphagia is important. As the pathophysiology of dysphagia is very diverse and complex, a single treatment modality may not be sufficient enough to resolve dysphagia in a patient. Although surgical treatment or instrumental procedures are considered to be invasive, they are the most reliable treatment modality in some cases. The purpose of this article is to review current surgical options in the treatment of dysphagia and to detail surgeons’ perspectives towards the treatment of patients with dysphagia.