Functional Endoscopy in Neurogenic Dysphagia

The esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy is an endoscopic examination technique of the upper GI-tract which was founded by the German surgeon Johann Freiherr von Mikuliicz-Radecki at the end of 19th century. By this means, the luminal site of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum may be visualized after inserting a flexible endoscope through the mouth (transoral access). By the rapid technical development in the last years smaller flexible video endoscopes have been developed allowing also an alternative access to the upper GI-tract via the nose (transnasal access). Patients with dysphagia are referred to physicians of different disciplines (gastroenterology, surgery, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine, radiology, neurology) performing a variety of endoscopic and non-endoscopic techniques. Mostly, the endoscopic examination of the esophagus is done in sedated patients in left lateral examination. Typical findings during esophagoscopy might be tumors, strictures, achalasia or diverticula. Patients suffering from neurogenic dysphagia often get caught in the trap: they find themselves somewhere in the space between gastroenterologist, neurologist, ENT-specialist and radiologist. This dilemma might be due to a lack of pathophysiological knowledge among many physicians and an inability to directly visualize the esophageal phase of deglutition. In sedated patients lying in left lateral position, endoscopists may receive a very limited impression of the function of the different phases of swallowing since this endoscopic access is a rather static one. The focus of our observational study are patients with suspected neurogenic dysphagia. These patients shall be examined by transnasal endoscopy applying an ultrathin video endoscope with an outer diameter of 3.8 mm (BF-3C160, Olympus Europe). Patients are examined in sitting position while ingesting water and food of different consistencies (functional endoscopy). Diagnostic shall be completed and correlated by videofluoroscopy, h