Abstract
BackgroundProblems with pharyngo‐esophageal bolus flow have been reported following nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) treatment. While studies using videofluoroscopic assessment have shown balloon dilation can help address this impairment, the impact of dilation on pressure and bolus flow characteristics incorporating high‐resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) has not been reported.MethodsFive cases with pharyngo‐esophageal dysphagia post NPC underwent balloon dilation. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and HRPM were completed before and 1 month post dilation. Oral intake and dysphagia related quality of life were reported to 3 months.ResultsVFSS, manometry and functional outcomes revealed positive benefits from dilation in two cases. In the other three cases, two showed improvements on VFSS only. These three failed to make functional swallowing gains.ConclusionsWhere there was functional gain, both fluoroscopy and HRPM recorded improvement to UES function. Across the cases, response to dilation was variable and further work is needed to determine which patients would receive most benefit.Level of Evidence4.
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