Recent developments in the manometric assessment of upper esophageal sphincter function and dysfunction

Coordinated application of videoradiography and solid-state manometry provides insight into the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia and helps direct appropriate therapies for a variety of conditions causing this symptom. Controlled evaluations of various treatment modalities, however, are lacking and therapy often remains primarily empiric. Despite this limitation, important strides have been made in the overall management of these patients during the past decade.