title: Esophageal Transit, Contraction and Perception of Transit After Swallows of Two Viscous Boluses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There have been results showing the influence of bolus viscosities and consistency on esophageal motility and transit. However, there is no description about the influence of two different viscous boluses on esophageal contractions, bolus transit and perception of transit. Our objective in this investigation was to evaluate the esophageal transit and contraction after swallows of two viscous boluses.
  
  
  METHODS
  By impedance and manometric methods, we measured the esophageal transit and contraction after swallows of two viscous boluses of 5 mL volume, 100% barium sulfate and yogurt, swallowed in duplicate in the supine and upright positions. The bolus transit, esophageal contractions and the perception of bolus transit through the esophagus were evaluated in both positions. Impedance and contraction were measured at 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm from the lower esophageal sphincter. After each swallow, the volunteers were asked about the sensation of bolus transit through the esophagus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In supine position, the yogurt had a less frequent complete bolus transit than barium. Also in the supine position, the esophageal transit was longer with yogurt than with barium. Esophageal contractions after swallows were similar between barium and yogurt boluses. There was no difference in perception of transit between the two boluses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although both 100% barium sulfate and yogurt are viscous boluses and have similar viscosities, the transit through the esophagus is slower with yogurt bolus than with barium bolus, which suggests that viscosity may be not the sole factor to determine transit.
authors: University Center UNIVAG,Varzea Grande, MT, Brazil.
authors: Jucileia
authors: J
authors: Dalmazo
authors: Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors: Lilian Rose Otoboni
authors: LR
authors: Aprile
authors: Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors: Roberto Oliveira
authors: RO
authors: Dantas
keywords: Bolus viscosity; Esophageal contraction; Esophageal transit; Swallowing; Swallowing perception