Manofluorography of deglutition after total laryngopharyngectomy

Manofluorography is a new technique for the evaluation of swallowing that provides simultaneous display of manometry and videofluoroscopy on one video screen. Data are presented from a study of deglutition in 10 patients who had prior total laryngopharyngectomy with replacement by either jejunal graft or gastric pull-up. Factors that enhance bolus passage are the presence of a widely patent graft and an intact swallowing reflex. Factors that impair bolus transit include stricture, jejunal peristalsis, impaired lingual coordination, and stenosis at the anastomotic site. The swallowing patterns of these patients serve as models of the open and closed cavity swallow and illustrate principles of manofluorographic interpretation.