An intraoral stent to improve examination of swallowing in a case involving gunshot wound to the face

Abstract

Abstract.A custom intraoral stent to facilitate oral bolus transport without external drooling and aspiration during radiographic examination of dysphagia in a patient with severely compromised swallowing mechanism due to self-inflicted gunshot wound to the face is described. This hollow stent, which conforms to the contour of the intraoral space, allows passage of contrast medium during videofluoroscopic modified barium swallow tests resulting in consistent successful swallowing. Severe extraoral leakage (drooling), aspiration, and coughing occurred when the modified barium test was performed without this device.