Evaldas, a patient of Kaunas clinics, has been suffering from swallowing disorders for more than three years. “It was difficult to swallow food, especially meat. Eating has become a pain,” says the man.
Evalds underwent a fibroendoscopic swallowing test in Kaunas clinics, using dyed food. “This study showed that saliva and food stay in the pharynx, it is difficult to enter the esophagus, and after swallowing a bite, part of the food returns from the esophagus back to the pharynx,” the professor elaborates.
The patient has been diagnosed with dysfunction of the upper esophageal fold, which affects the smooth process of swallowing – the passage of food from the pharynx to the esophagus is disturbed.
“Both food and saliva accumulate in the lower part of the pharynx and can enter the larynx, causing solid and liquid substances to enter the respiratory tract,” says Prof. Nora Šiupšinskiene. – Most often, the causes of dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter are neurological, and can also be caused by the consequences of head and neck cancer treatment and inflammatory changes. Patient Evaldas had a brain infection.”
Patient Evaldas underwent medicated myotomy in Kaunas clinics, a procedure during which the upper fold of the esophagus is relaxed with botulinum toxin.
This preparation, extracted from bacteria, the main property of the substance produced is to block the connection between the nerve and the muscle. The procedure is minimally invasive, greatly reducing the risk of food entering the respiratory tract.
This procedure was performed through a laryngoscopic approach with the patient sedated. Ewald improved immediately after botulinum toxin injection, and the positive effect stabilized after the first month after surgery. On the same day, Evaldas could return home.
Prof. N. Šiupšinskienė says that this procedure effectively treats swallowing disorders caused by dysfunction of the upper esophageal fold.
“After the post-procedural period, patients can eat a variety of foods, practically without restrictions, their quality of life and social activity improves,” the professor assures. – There are also benefits for doctors – the procedure is performed with a minimally invasive technique, there is no need to make an incision in the neck. In addition, the risk of potentially dangerous postoperative complications is reduced.”
According to the professor, swallowing disorders can be diagnosed more often in older age. “This is partly due to natural aging, the use of drugs and a higher probability of suffering from chronic circulatory, neurological and head and neck diseases,” says the professor.
The Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of Kaunas Clinics is a leading center in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders. In this clinic, patients are examined and treated in a modern way. The spectrum of causes of swallowing disorders is very wide and includes both otorhinolaryngological, neurological and gastroenterological causes. Kaunas clinic patients are examined comprehensively, with the help of a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
