Pharyngoesophageal manometry with an original balloon sensor probe for the study of oropharyngeal dysphagia

The goal of our study was to verify the clinical applicability of an original balloon sensor probe for the manofluorographic study of oropharyngeal dysphagia. A prototype apparatus for manofluorography was developed and a standard perfused probe for esophageal manometry was modified by applying fluid-filled floppy balloons 0.5-, 1-, and 2.5-cm long. A group of healthy volunteers and a group of patients affected by oropharyngeal dysphagia underwent manofluorography. Statistically significant differences were calculated between the groups with regard to the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) basal and postrelaxation contraction pressures (p < 0.05, Student's t test, 2.5- vs. 1-cm-long balloon sensors). In the group of patients versus the group of healthy volunteers, statistically significant differences were calculated with regard to pharyngeal intrabolus pressure, UES residual and UES postrelaxation contraction pressures, and mean diameter of the UES during maximal opening (p < 0.05, Student's t test). A strong negative correlation (r = -0.92, p = 0.001; r = -0.93, p = 0.006 linear regression analysis) was observed between intrabolus pressure and UES diameter during maximum opening in the group of patients. The balloon probe demonstrated its reliability and clinical adequacy for the study of swallowing disorders.