Diagnostic utility of videofluoroscopic swallowing study in patients presenting with the sensation of food sticking in the throat: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND

The sensation of food 'sticking' in the throat is a frequent but diagnostically challenging symptom that often persists despite normal ENT findings. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) enables dynamic evaluation of swallowing physiology and may reveal hidden abnormalities.

AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic yield of VFSS in patients with throat-related dysphagia, focusing on abnormality type, localisation, and bolus consistency.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This retrospective study included 42 patients with persistent symptoms but normal endoscopic examinations between January 2020 and January 2025. Reflux-related findings were excluded. VFSS was performed with nectar-thick liquids, pudding, and solids. Abnormalities were classified by site and etiology. Concordance between symptom site and VFSS findings was analysed.

RESULTS

VFSS detected abnormalities in 74% of patients, predominantly physiological (65%) and within the oesophageal body (55%). Symptom-pathology concordance was low (26%). Solids provided the highest diagnostic yield (50%).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: VFSS is valuable in unexplained dysphagia with normal ENT findings, particularly when symptoms occur with solids. Including oesophageal evaluation and varied consistencies improves diagnostic precision and guides management.