A swallowing evaluation with simultaneous videoendoscopy, ultrasonography and videofluorography in healthy controls

A new bedside method for the evaluation of swallowing function was pursued.

To compare our technique combining videoendoscopy (VE) and ultrasonography (US) with videofluorography (VF) in healthy controls, these images were displayed simultaneously.

The beginning of laryngeal elevation was identified by VF and US. Thereafter, the pharynx became invisible with VE. Then the bolus head passed through the tongue base and reached the vallecula and the piriform sinus. Laryngeal elevation was at maximum height for VF and US. The timing of elevation assessed by VF and US was almost equivalent. The distances and durations of the maximum laryngeal elevation, measured by US and VF, were almost equal and significantly positively correlated (p < 0.0001).

This study suggested that our technique could demonstrate swallowing function as efficiently as VF.