Use of videofluoroscopy in swallowing characterization and dysphagia investigation

Abstract

Introduction: The sequence of actions involves the act of swallowing involving complex neurophysiological commands to become effective, starting voluntarily and ending involuntarily. Didactically speaking, swallowing is divided into an oral phase with a voluntary control characteristic, and this is where the formation of the food bolus mainly occurs; the pharyngeal and esophageal phases are defined as automatic or involuntary. Methodology: For the development of this study, the methodology of systematic review of the literature was used. The research question posed was: Does the use of videofluoroscopy help in the characterization of swallowing and in the diagnosis of dysphagia? Results: 641 articles were found, subsequently a pre-selection was made by reading the summaries of the works. From there, based on the specified criteria, eight (8) articles were selected which contemplated the research and the relationship between the descriptors. Conclusion: Videofluoroscopy of swallowing is the gold standard examination for the detection, treatment and/or investigations related to oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia.