[Dysphagia] post Mitral valve replacement

[adebin at bigpond.net.au (Aviva Debinski)]

A 63 year old man who was intubated in ICU for some time (I dont 
remember how long) presented with profound dysphagia when doctors tried 
to reintroduce oral intake. VF showed poor bolis driving force and 
pharyngeal weakness. There was no epiglottic inversion and stasis in 
the vallecuale failed to empty despite attempts at multiple swallows 
effortfulswallows or  flushing with liquid. Does anyone have any 
suggestion particularly for epiglottic tilt probs I know this is a 
difficult one. I have him tilting to the side which has significantly 
helped though progress is probably not as quick as I would like in 
terms of recovery from what I feel is localised trauma.
Aviva Debinski
Ph: +61 3 95762116
Fx: +61 3 95096021
Email: adebin at bigpond.net.au