[Dysphagia: a neurosurgical indication for an operation?].

Ventral osteophytes of the cervical spine can be the reason for dysphagia in rare cases. We present a 67-year old man with difficulties in swallowing for three years and a ventral osteophyte at the level of C 5/6. Native X-rays of the cervical spine, CT-scan and x-ray examination with barium meal and with a barium ball was performed. In our case the most useful procedure for operative indication was the dynamic examination with the barium ball which demonstrates clearly the obstructed oesophageal passage. During operation the ventral osteophyte was resected via ventral approach to the cervical spine. Postoperatively patient's symptoms completely disappeared. Differential diagnosis and therapy are discussed.