[Double-contrast pharyngography in surgically treated and/or irradiated oro- and hypopharyngeal malignant tumors].

The use of a double contrast technique in the oropharynx and hypopharynx is described and its diagnostic value following treatment is defined. By means of the double contrast pharyngogram, it is possible to demonstrate the pharyngeal mucosa and, post-operatively, the anastomosis. It is the only imaging method which demonstrates the course of swallowing and passage through the pharynx. By paying attention to physiological changes following treatment and taking account of early post-therapeutic appearances, it is possible to form a judgement concerning the peripharyngeal tissue. CT, however, is the method of choice for demonstrating an extraluminal tumour. In view of the ease of the method, double contrast pharyngography is the ideal radiological procedure for close follow-up of patients with malignant tumours of the pharynx.