C-A Bader1, G Niemann. 1. Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Universitätsklinikum, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 5, 72076 Tübingen. carl-albert.bader@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing in the pediatric patient by focusing on its feasibility and typical complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1997 to 2005, 164 children and young persons with swallowing disorders, who had not previously undergone endoscopic examination, presented for fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing. Of these patients, 47% were age 6 years or younger. The most frequent reasons for the swallowing disorders were neurogenous (87%). RESULTS: In 129 of the 164 patients (78.6%), relevant informations about swallowing pathology was obtained. Because of anatomical restrictions or lack of cooperation, endoscopic examination was impossible in eight cases (4.9%). In 27 patients (16.5%) the procedure had to be terminated early because of inadequate cooperation. Severe complications concerning the endoscopic procedure did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing turned out to be a feasible tool for the diagnostics of pediatric swallowing disorders. Its complications are rare if basic precautions are respected.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing in the pediatric patient by focusing on its feasibility and typical complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1997 to 2005, 164 children and young persons with swallowing disorders, who had not previously undergone endoscopic examination, presented for fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing. Of these patients, 47% were age 6 years or younger. The most frequent reasons for the swallowing disorders were neurogenous (87%). RESULTS: In 129 of the 164 patients (78.6%), relevant informations about swallowing pathology was obtained. Because of anatomical restrictions or lack of cooperation, endoscopic examination was impossible in eight cases (4.9%). In 27 patients (16.5%) the procedure had to be terminated early because of inadequate cooperation. Severe complications concerning the endoscopic procedure did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing turned out to be a feasible tool for the diagnostics of pediatric swallowing disorders. Its complications are rare if basic precautions are respected.