The effects of endoscope placement in the hypopharynx on swallowing-related measures in healthy adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether transnasal passage of a flexible endoscope results in changes in salivary flow rate (SFR), spontaneous swallow frequency (SSF), and masticatory efficiency (ME) in healthy adults.

Methods: Data were collected from 15 healthy adults, 20-63 years of age. SFR and SSF were measured at baseline, after endoscope insertion, and after endoscope removal.