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.
Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Göran's/Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
M
M
Montgomery
H
H
Witt
R
R
Kuylenstierna
B
B
Frenckner
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