Video Introduction to Adult Swallowing Disorders: Fluorographic and Endoscopic Examples (2000). By Michael A. Crary & Michael E. Groher. Butterworth-Heinemann, 225 Wildwood Ave., Unit B, P.O. Box 4500, Woburn, MA 01801-2041. 57 minutes; $50. Reviewed by Mary M. Gorham-Rowan, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.

This videotape is divided into three segments: normal swallowing, examples of swallowing disorders, and endoscopic/fluoroscopic examples of treatment techniques. The first segment provides a brief review of the anatomy and physiology of the swallowing mechanism in reference to fluoroscopic and endoscopic studies. In the second segment, the authors give examples of swallowing disorders and include details concerning the specific dysfunction in each example. Finally, the effects of several treatment techniques are demonstrated through both videofluorography and videoendoscopy. Selections of both normal volunteers and adult patients with dysphagia are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the techniques.

Throughout the video, information is included relative to the instrumental evaluation and treatment of adult swallowing disorders. Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology is required for meaningful viewing, but the detailed explanations that are provided contribute to increased understanding of dysphagia. The logical progression from normal to disordered swallowing, with subsequent treatment procedures, enhances the opportunity for viewer learning. The quality of the videotaped examples is very good and provides excellent detail of the structures and processes involved.

This videotape is intended for clinicians who have had minimal exposure to the evaluation and treatment of dsyphagia. I have also used it to supplement instruction for a graduate-level dysphagia course and found it very helpful in increasing the students' understanding of normal and disordered swallowing. I would highly recommend this video for students, beginning clinicians, and more experienced professionals in the field of speech-language pathology who desire to learn more about dysphagia.