Treatments for Dysphagia at a University Hospital

Abstract

Patients with dysphagia visit various kinds of medical institutions, such as private clinics, general hospitals, or university hospitals. Treatments for dysphagia vary greatly depending on these institutions' respective roles. Among them, university hospitals are called on to make precise diagnoses of the etiology and pathophysiology of swallowing disorders. We proposed a simple scoring system for endoscopic swallowing evaluation, and presented its usefulness as a tool for evaluating dysphagia features and severity and deciding oral food intake. In rehabilitation for dysphagic patients, simple maneuvers which can be performed by the patient or a family member are mainly applied. We perform surgical interventions for severe dysphagia aiming to restore oral food intake and prevent aspiration pneumonia. Pharmacological therapy is a promising new therapeutic strategy, and we are pursuing its clinical applications. Education and training for young doctors, co-medical staff, and medical students are important in the university hospital setting. We are also trying to organize a local medical network system and enlighten citizens on treatments for dysphagia.