A useful procedure for observing the cervical esophagus via the hypopharynx

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with movable over tube (i.e., the movable over tube method) for observing the hypopharynx to cervical esophagus, for use in treatment, and to determine its safety. Methods The study population consisted of 28 patients (23 men, 5 women; a mean age of 66.6 years old; age range of 50–80 years old). The patients consisted of nine cases of globus sensation, eight cases of hypopharyngeal cancer (post-chemoradiotherapy), three cases of hypopharyngeal cancer (untreated), two cases of hoarseness, two cases of unknown primary carcinoma, two cases of foreign body, one case of esophageal cancer, and one case of dysphagia. We used upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with movable over tube to examine the hypopharynx to the cervical esophagus in subjects. Results With the movable over tube method, which was performed under pharyngeal surface anesthesia and an infusion of diazepam (5–10 mg/kg body weight), one could observe from the hypopharynx to cervical esophagus without any blind spots. There were no complications after the examination. Conclusions The results suggest that the movable over tube method is an easy, useful, and safe method to observe the region from the hypopharynx to the cervical esophagus.