The evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders

Abstract

The effects of laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, rheumatoid arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy, and postsurgical unilateral recurrent nerve paralysis on swallowing function are examined. Procedures for screening patients for symptoms of swallowing problems and diagnostic techniques that define swallowing anatomy and physiology are compared and contrasted. Surgical and behavioral treatments for swallowing disorders are described.