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Radionuclide transit studies for esophageal function before and after esophageal transection and devascularization
1Department of Surgery, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This study evaluated swallowing function after esophageal surgery using radionuclide esophageal transit studies (RETS) and barium swallowing fluoroscopic studies (BSFS). Both tests effectively identified post-operative swallowing disturbances, aiding in patient management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Physiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Nonobstructive swallowing disturbance is a frequent complication after esophageal transection and devascularization for esophageal varices.
- Evaluating esophageal function pre- and post-operatively is crucial for managing these complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of radionuclide esophageal transit study (RETS) and barium swallowing fluoroscopic study (BSFS) in evaluating swallowing disturbances after esophageal surgery.
- To compare the diagnostic capabilities of RETS and BSFS in detecting esophageal transit abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- 12 patients undergoing esophageal transection and devascularization were evaluated using RETS and BSFS before and after surgery.
- Transit times and presence of reflux were analyzed and compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
Main Results:
- Pre-operatively, 3 patients with a history of sclerotherapy showed swallowing disturbances detected by both RETS and BSFS.
- Post-operatively, transient swallowing disturbances occurred in some patients, with RETS sometimes detecting abnormalities not evident on BSFS.
- Significant prolongation of esophageal transit times was observed in patients with swallowing disturbances (p < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Both RETS and BSFS are valuable tools for diagnosing swallowing disturbances following esophageal surgery.
- RETS may offer a more sensitive detection of subtle esophageal transit abnormalities, particularly in the proximal esophagus.
- Serial functional studies are important for monitoring recovery and managing post-operative complications.