Swallowing Problems

Manofluorography

Manofluorography is a modified barium swallow that involves placing a catheter through the nose into the throat to measure and record pressure changes and to videotape the swallow. Pressure changes at different positions in the throat indicate muscle contraction, relaxation, strength and coordination of the swallowing muscles.

The test also measures the pressure required to move the swallow through the throat. When there's an obstruction, a pressure gradient occurs across the obstruction with each swallow. This is called the intrabolus pressure gradient; it is an important indicator for some surgical procedures.

Manofluorography is done in an X-ray room at the clinic. The nose is swabbed with a numbing medicine before the catheter is passed through to the throat. There is some mild discomfort when the catheter is passed through the nose, but the tube is usually well tolerated once in place. Patients may talk and swallow normally, according to the physician's instructions. The test takes about 20 minutes to complete, and X-ray exposure is minimal.