Swallowing disorders after esophageal atresia evaluated with videomanometry.
BACKGROUND
Patients with repaired esophageal atresia often show persistent motility disorders of the esophagus.


METHODS
In this study, the authors used a newly developed method, videomanometry, to study intraluminal pressures and function of the pharynx and upper esophagus in such a group of patients and compared the results with those in healthy age-matched controls.


RESULTS
A significant difference was found between timing of the pharynx contraction and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation, indicating a dyscoordination of swallowing in the patient group. Transit time of bolus from the pharynx to the esophagus was also shorter for the patient group. Such dyscoordination may be a risk factor that can cause aspiration and respiratory symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
UES resting pressure and residual pressure on swallowing, did not differ between the two groups.
Montgomery
M
M
Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Göran's/Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Witt
H
H
Kuylenstierna
R
R
Frenckner
B
B
D000328:Adult; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010528:Peristalsis; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011859:Radiography; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014741:Video Recording