In Japan, a super-aging society, dysphagia has become a significant social issue, increasing the demand for otolaryngologists to diagnose and treat this condition. However, standardization of dysphagia treatment remains challenging owing to its diverse nature.
Surgical treatment was considered when rehabilitation over a certain period did not lead to improvement. Decisions on surgical indications and techniques are made through multidisciplinary discussions, considering objective evaluations and social background. Surgical treatments are generally categorized into those performed for the prevention of aspiration and those performed to improve the swallowing function. Selecting appropriate surgical techniques requires experience and must account for the patient's overall condition and future rehabilitation prospects, emphasizing minimally invasive options, whenever possible.
Recently, minimally invasive procedures, such as glottic closure surgery under local anesthesia and transoral cricopharyngeal myotomy, have become more prevalent in Japan, with more facilities considering their implementation. This study introduces various surgical techniques for the treatment of dysphagia, categorized by invasiveness, and provides insights into intraoperative precautions and technical tips. Although surgery is a rehabilitation method, it can be crucial for cases in which functional improvement is otherwise difficult. A deeper understanding of these surgical options can expand available treatment options.
