Pharyngeal Versus Esophageal Stasis: Accuracy of Symptom Localization

Purpose The purpose of this article was to determine whether patients who complain of bolus stasis are accurate at localizing bolus stasis as measured by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study with an esophagram. Method This study used a prospective analysis of outcomes data from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Voice and Swallow Outcomes database in patients with complaints of bolus stasis who completed the combined videofluoroscopic swallowing study and esophagram to determine the accuracy of bolus stasis localization. Results Dysphagia evaluation was completed in 301 patients with complaints of bolus stasis. Patients with complaints of bolus stasis in the throat (i.e., pharynx and cervical esophagus) were less accurate at localizing bolus stasis than patients with complaints in the thoracic esophagus (p < .001). Esophageal stasis was the most common finding regardless of complaint location. Conclusion Patients are poor at localizing bolus stasis, and esophageal stasis is common in patients who complain of pharyngeal stasis. This work supports a comprehensive evaluation of both the pharynx and the esophagus for patients with complaints of bolus stasis in the throat. Future research should focus on identifying symptom profiles that could lead to targeted swallowing evaluations based on patient history and complaint.