Collaboration with Gastroenterology in Management of Complex Dysphagia

Purpose of Review To review common patient populations who present with dysphagia to an otolaryngology office and that may benefit from co-management with a gastroenterologist. These patients include those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, head and neck cancer, allergies/atopic disease, autoimmune conditions, and a normal/straightforward workup for dysphagia. Recent Findings The additional diagnostic tests that can be offered by a gastroenterologist beyond an upper endoscopy include high-resolution manometry, functional luminal imaging probe, and mucosal impedance testing. Pharmacologic therapies, as well as endoscopic therapies, such as Zenker’s per-oral endoscopic myotomy, are also examined. Summary An overview of the gastroenterologist’s approach to these patients is presented as well as additional correlative conditions in the esophagus which may contribute to a patient’s dysphagia. The presented scenarios aim to provide examples of how multidisciplinary collaboration between otolaryngologists and gastroenterologists can help improve care for the complex patient with dysphagia.