Surgical treatment of oropharyngeal swallowing disorders.

The objectives of the surgical treatment of oro-pharyngeal swallowing disorders is (1) to improve the impaired transport of the bolus, and (2) to prevent aspiration or control it to safe levels. In this overview the common surgical procedures to improve the specific oro-pharyngeal swallowing disorders are presented. The indications, advantages and disadvantages of each surgical technique are discussed.