Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction Research Articles

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction: a poorly defined disorder from diagnosis to treatment.

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common clinical occurrence with very few clear diagnostic criteria and multiple pathways for treatment. Incidence of CPMD is not known, but some data suggest around 25% of people with dysphagia experience some degree of CPMD, which negatively impacts swallowing safety and efficiency. Workup and treatment of CPMD can require multidisciplinary collaboration across laryngologists, speech-language pathologists with training in dysphagia management, and gastroenterologists. The purpose of this paper is to review what is known about CPMD and identify areas of future research in CPMD diagnosis and treatment. An overview of CPMD, relative treatments and disorders, and a discussion of future areas of research needed to improve clinical care of CPMD. Details regarding historical background, pathophysiology and treatment practiced for CPMD are included. In summary, CPMD is a poorly defined disease due to a lack of understanding of its pathophysiology and the lack of consensus diagnostic criteria. Well-designed, prospective clinical trials are necessary to develop a better understanding of clinical incidence of CPMD, impact of the disorder on oropharyngeal swallowing, and how to approach treatment of the disorder surgically or in conjunction with therapy directed by a specialized speech-language pathologist.

Association of the "Jet Phenomenon" with Positive Symptom Outcome Following Surgical Treatment of Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction.

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common cause for progressive dysphagia and can lead to dietary restriction, reduced nutrition, weight loss, and pneumonia. Controversy exists whether CPMD is best managed with primary surgical treatment of the cricopharyngeus muscle and who represents a good surgical candidate. Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with CPMD who underwent surgical treatment were evaluated through prospectively collected pre- and postoperative Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were reviewed for presence or absence of a high-pressure barium stream through the upper esophageal sphincter, termed the jet phenomenon (JP). We identified 42 patients with CPMD who underwent surgical treatment and had serial Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) measures obtained pre- and postoperatively. Mean EAT-10 scores improved by 12.1 points (95%CI = 8.6-15.6), p < 0.0001. There was a significantly greater improvement among patients with JP (|∆EAT-10|= 17.0, 95%CI = 12.5-21.4) compared to those without (|∆EAT-10|= 6.2, 95%CI = 1.6-10.8), p = 0.0013. Patients with JP also showed improved FOIS score (p = 0.0023) while those without JP did not. This study provides the initial report on the utility of JP as a VFSS feature that is strongly associated with improved outcomes following surgical treatment of CPMD. Further work determining the physiologic correlates responsible for JP will help clarify its predictive capabilities. Level 3.

Natural History of Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction Symptomatology.

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common cause for progressive dysphagia and can lead to dietary restriction, reduced nutrition, weight loss, and pneumonia. There is a continuum between small, non-obstructive cricopharyngeus bars representing mild disease and severely obstructive bars or Zenker's diverticulum forming late-stage disease, but the natural history of untreated CPMD and the associated time course for progression is unknown. Retrospective longitudinal cohort study from a tertiary outpatient dysphagia centre. Patients diagnosed with CPMD by fluoroscopy and either awaiting surgical treatment or electing non-operative management were evaluated through prospectively collected Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Review of available imaging identified degree of CPMD. We identified 174 patients with CPMD diagnosed between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2020; 52 patients had serial Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) measures obtained at time of diagnosis and follow up appointment without operative treatment. Mean EAT-10 scores increased from 17.1 to 20.6 (3.5 ± 8.1 points, p = 0.002) points. This change was related to those with a Zenker's diverticulum rather than an isolated cricopharyngeus bar. Dietary outcomes measured by FOIS were stable. While some patients showed fluoroscopic progression of bar size, no patients developed a Zenker's diverticulum from a pre-existing bar in this population. Our data indicate patients with a cricopharyngeus bar do not decline in subjective dysphagia score or diet tolerance, however those with a Zenker's diverticulum worsen over time. This has implications for treatment timing and counselling patients but also reflects a need to understand the pathophysiology behind CPMD and the subset of patients who show progression.

Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia and Mortality in Patients with Dysphagia.

To identify risk factors for pneumonia incidence in patients with dysphagia undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) in an outpatient tertiary-care center. Historical cohort study. All individuals undergoing a VFSS between 10/02/13 and 07/30/15 were identified and followed historically for 2 years. Demographic information, medical history, and fluoroscopic data were collected. The 2-year incidence of pneumonia was obtained from the medical records and telephone interview. The incidence of pneumonia and death were calculated and risk factors for pneumonia and mortality were ascertained. 689 patients were followed for 2 years. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the cohort was 65 (±15.5) years. 49% (338/689) were female. The most common causes of dysphagia were cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (270/689), head and neck cancer (175/689), and neurodegenerative disease (56/689). The incidence of pneumonia was 22% (153/689). The incidence of death was 11%. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder [COPD] (odds ratio [OR]=2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-4.19), hypertension (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.23-2.73), tracheotomy status (OR=2.96, 95% CI: 1.09-7.99), and vallecular residue (OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.24-2.85) were all significantly associated with an elevated risk of pneumonia. Kidney disease (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-9.9), COPD (OR=3.27, 95% CI: 1.65-6.49), vallecular residue (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.35-4.1), male gender (OR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.25-3.92), and low body mass index (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19) were independent adjusted risk factors for death. The incidence of aspiration pneumonia (22%) and death (11%) within 2-years of a VFSS was high. The greatest adjusted risk factors for incident pneumonia were tracheotomy (OR=3.0), COPD (OR=2.4) and vallecular residue (OR=1.9). The greatest adjusted risk factors for death were COPD (OR=3.3), vallecular residue (OR=2.3), and male gender (OR=2.2). 4 Laryngoscope, 132:1172-1176, 2022.

Ultrasonography-guided botulinum toxin injection to the cricopharyngeus muscle: a case report and technical notes

Dysphagia associated with the cricopharyngeus muscle (CPm) dysfunction negatively influences the quality of life. This high-pressure region must relax and the lumen must open for smooth food passage. The CP muscle is therefore a common target of chemodenervation with botulinum toxin (BTX). Here we presented a patient with severe left lateral medullary syndrome and non-relaxation of the CPm. We described how to localize the CPm in the transverse and longitudinal views under ultrasonography and offered a video demonstrating ultrasonography-guided BTX injection. Ultrasonography-guided CPm injection with BTX may serve as a reliable, rapid, and effective choice for treatment of cricopharyngeal dysphagia.

Cricopharyngeal myotomy for cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction after esophagectomy

BackgroundPharyngoesophageal dysphagia sometimes develops after esophagectomy. However, severe dysphagia after esophagectomy due to cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction is a rare complication. There are no recommended clinical treatments for cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction after esophagectomy. We report a case of myotomy for cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction after esophagectomy.Case presentationA 75-year-old man with mild dysphagia diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer by esophagogastroduodenoscopy at a clinic was admitted to our hospital. He had occasional mild dysphagia when he swallowed solid foods. After chemotherapy, the patient underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy with regional lymph node dissection and was reconstructed with a gastric conduit and cervical anastomosis by the retrosternal route. Aspiration pneumonia developed after esophagectomy without paralysis of the vocal cords. In esophagoscopy, there was no stricture around the anastomosis. However, severe pharyngoesophageal dysphagia with cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction was revealed by videofluoroscopic examination. Bilateral cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed because balloon dilations had failed. The histological findings revealed atrophy and fibrosis of the cricopharyngeus muscle fibers. Pharyngoesophageal dysphagia improved immediately after myotomy. The patient swallowed solid food easily without dysphagia 12 months after myotomy.ConclusionDysphagia after esophagectomy was worsened by cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction. Cricopharyngeus myotomy may lead to long improvement of pharyngo-oesophageal dysphagia after esophagetomy.

Clinical Applications of Botulinum Toxin in Patients with Dysphagia

Dysphagia may result from dysfunction of any of the components involved in the complex neuromuscular interaction of swallowing. Hyperfunction of any of the muscles involved in swallowing is a frequent cause of dysphagia. The cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) is a key component of the upper esophageal sphincter. Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPD) refers to the muscle’s failure to appropriately and completely relax or expand during deglutition. A variety of disease processes may cause CPD and accurate diagnosis is paramount for appropriate treatment. In appropriately selected patients, intervention at the CPM may yield significant improvement in dysphagia. Interventions include nonsurgical, pharyngoesophageal segment dilatation, botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection, and criccopharyngeal myotomy. Injections of BoNT in patients with CPD have been reported to result in marked relief of dysphagia. Different techniques for instilling BoNT into the CPM have been described. Awake, in-office CPM BoNT injection with electromyography and/or fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance is performed transcervically or via flexible endoscopy. Operative CPM BoNT injection involves rigid laryngoscopy and esophagoscopy with direct visualization of the CPM. BoNT should be prepared in low-volume, high-concentration dilutions to minimize the potential for undesired diffusion of the toxin. The effects of BoNT occur within weeks of injection and typically last up to 5 or 6 months. Key words: Dysphagia ㆍ Botulinum toxin ㆍ Cricopharyngeal muscle 핵심용어: 삼킴 ìž¥ì• ã† 보튤리눔 ë ì†Œ ㆍ 윤상인두근

Improved symptomatic, functional, and fluoroscopic outcomes following serial \u201cseries of three\u201d double-balloon dilation for cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction

BackgroundCricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common cause of dysphagia. We employ a progressive series of three double-balloon dilations separated by 4–6 weeks between procedures as a primary treatment option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate subjective, functional and objective improvement in swallowing after three serial dilations for CPMD.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients between June 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016, who underwent a series of three double-balloon dilations for CPMD. Pre- and post-dilation Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), pharyngeal constriction ratio, pharyngeal area, and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening were compared.ResultsSeventeen patients with CPMD underwent serial double-balloon dilation procedures separated by one month. Mean age of the cohort was 73.5 (SD ± 13.3) years, and 53% were female. The mean EAT-10 improved from 24.7 (SD ± 7.8) to 15.9 (SD ± 10.2) [p = 0.0021]. Mean FOIS improved from 5.4 (SD ± 1.4) pre- to 6.3 (SD ± 0.9) post-treatment (p = 0.017). Mean UES opening increased from 1.05 (SD ± 0.34) cm to 1.48 (SD ± 0.41) cm (p = 0.0003) in the anteroposterior fluoroscopic view and from 0.58 (SD ± 0.18) to 0.76 (SD ± 0.30) cm (p = 0.018) in the lateral view. Pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength, improved from 0.49 (SD ± 0.37) to 0.24 (SD ± 0.15) (p = 0.015), however pharyngeal area (PA) was unchanged.ConclusionsA progressive series of three double-balloon dilations for cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction resulted in improved patient reported dysphagia symptom scores and objective fluoroscopic swallowing parameters.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitative Balloon Swallowing Treatment on Upper Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation and Pharyngeal Motility for Neurogenic Dysphagia.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between dysphagia severity and opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), and to assess the effect of balloon size on functional improvement after rehabilitative balloon swallowing treatment in patients with severe dysphagia with cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPD).MethodsWe reviewed videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Myongji Hospital from January through December in 2012. All subjects diagnosed with CPD by VFSS further swallowed a 16-Fr Foley catheter filled with barium sulfate suspension for three to five minutes. We measured the maximum diameter of the balloon that a patient could swallow into the esophagus and subsequently conducted a second VFSS. Then, we applied a statistical technique to correlate the balloon diameter with functional improvement after the balloon treatment.ResultsAmong 283 inpatients who received VFSS, 21 subjects were diagnosed with CPD. It was observed that the degree of UES opening evaluated by swallowing a catheter balloon had inverse linear correlations with pharyngeal transit time and post-swallow pharyngeal remnant. Videofluoroscopy guided iterative balloon swallowing treatment for three to five minutes, significantly improved the swallowing ability in terms of pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal remnant (p<0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). Correlation was seen between balloon size and reduction in pharyngeal remnants after balloon treatment (Pearson correlation coefficient R=-0.729, p<0.001), whereas there was no definite relationship between balloon size and improvement in pharyngeal transit time (R=-0.078, p=0.738).ConclusionThe maximum size of the balloon that a patient with CPD can swallow possibly indicates the maximum UES opening. The iterative balloon swallowing treatment is safe without the risk of aspiration, and it can be an effective technique to improve both pharyngeal motility and UES relaxation.

Causes of Dysphagia in a Tertiary-Care Swallowing Center

Dysphagia can be caused by a myriad of disease processes, and it has significant impacts on patients' quality of life, life expectancy, and economic burden. To date, the most common causes of dysphagia in outpatient tertiary-care swallowing centers are unknown. We undertook this study to determine these prevalences. We also describe the diagnostic techniques utilized to establish the diagnosis. The electronic charts of 100 consecutive patients who presented to an outpatient tertiary-care university swallowing center between January 2010 and April 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Information regarding patient demographics, validated symptom surveys, diagnostic workups, and ultimate diagnoses was abstracted and tabulated into a central database. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the association between patient symptoms and diagnoses. The mean age of the entire cohort was 62 +/- 13.5 years, and 58% of the cohort was male. The most common identified causes of dysphagia were reflux (27%), postirradiation dysphagia (14%), and cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (11%). In 13% of cases, the cause of dysphagia was undetermined. The diagnostic tests utilized included flexible laryngoscopy (71%; 17% with endoscopic swallow evaluation), modified barium swallow study (45%), esophagoscopy (35%), barium esophagography (21%), manometry (10%), and ambulatory pH testing (2%). The most common causes of dysphagia in a tertiary-care swallowing center are reflux, postirradiation dysphagia, and cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction. A precise cause for the symptom could not be identified in 13% of our cohort. Endoscopic visualization (laryngoscopy, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, and transnasal esophagoscopy) and fluoroscopic swallow studies were the investigations most often utilized. These techniques can be used to arrive at a diagnosis in 80% of cases.

The Upper Esophageal Sphincter is Not Round: A Pilot Study Evaluating a Novel, Physiology-Based Approach to Upper Esophageal Sphincter Dilation

Recent basic science investigations have suggested that the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), in cross section, is not round, but that it more closely approximates a kidney shape. Dilation with simultaneous use of two cylindrical dilators provides a novel, physiology-based approach to UES distention. We evaluated the initial safety and efficacy of UES dilation with simultaneous use of two controlled radial expansion balloon dilators. Using a computerized database, we reviewed the charts of all persons who underwent UES dilation with simultaneous use of two radial expansion balloon dilators between December 1, 2011, and March 15, 2012. Information regarding patient demographics, indications, technique, and complications was abstracted. Self-reported swallowing impairment was assessed with the validated 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Ten individuals underwent simultaneous dilation with two dilators. Their mean age was 65 years (SD, 14 years), and 7 (70%) of them were male. The indications for dilation were radiation-induced UES stenosis (50%), cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (30%), upper esophageal web (10%), and anastomotic stricture (10%). After the double-balloon dilation, no complications were reported. The mean EAT-10 score improved significantly, from 34.3 (SD, 13.5) to 16.7 (SD, 8.4), after the simultaneous dilation (p = 0.003). Pilot data suggest that simultaneous dilation of the UES with two controlled radial expansion balloon dilators is feasible, safe, and effective. Future investigation is necessary to confirm the safety of this technique in a larger cohort and to use objective measures of efficacy to compare the technique to conventional dilation with a single dilator.

The effects of botulinum toxin injections into the cricopharyngeus muscle of patients with cricopharyngeus dysfunction associated with pharyngo-laryngeal weakness

This prospective, open study was carried out in order to assess changes in the swallowing and dietary status after injection of Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) into the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) in a series of patients with cricopharyngeus (CP) muscle dysfunction associated with pharyngo-laryngeal weakness during at least 1 year follow-up after treatment. Patients who had a cricopharyngeus (CP) muscle dysfunction associated with pharyngo-laryngeal weakness and who were at risk for aspiration were included in the study. The upper border of the cricoid cartilage was identified and the CP muscle localized using a standard electromyogram (EMG). The dose of BoNT-A was determined depending on the results of EMG performed just before the injection. Outcomes were assessed by the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), the level of residue in the pyriform sinus and the National Institute of Health-Swallow Safety Scale (NIH-SSS) on a video fluoroscopic swallowing (VFSS) assessment, the patient's subjective impressions of their ability to swallow by the Deglutition Handicap Index (DHI), and changes in dietary status by the Functional Oral Intake Scale. Eleven patients underwent the complete assessment of swallowing function at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. After the first set of treatment, seven patients had a good response and four did not respond. A significant decrease in the PAS score (p = 0.03), the amount of residue (p = 0.04) and the NIH-SSS score (p = 0.03) was observed 3 months after the injection in comparison with the first VFSS before the treatment. A relapse of dysphagia occurred in 3 out of the 11 treated patients; at 3 and 4 months for 2 patients with a Wallenberg syndrome, and at 11 months for a patient with cranial nerve paralysis after a surgery for a glomus tumor. Two of them underwent a second injection. One patient had a good response and remained stable for at least 1 year. The second did not respond either to the second injection or to a myotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle. The third one is waiting for further surgery (myotomy). Therefore, at the end of the study and after a follow-up of at least 12 months, 5 patients out of the 11 enrolled had a good result. Percutaneous injection of BoNT-A into the UES can be a useful solution to improve cricopharyngeal dysfunction, despite the underlying pharyngo-laryngeal weakness.

Effect of cricopharyngeus muscle surgery on the pharynx

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPD) ranges from asymptomatic cricopharyngeal bar (CPB) to Zenker's diverticulum. Previous work suggests that CPD can result in dilation and weakening of the pharynx above the obstruction. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the ability of surgery on the cricopharyngeus muscle to improve pharyngeal area and strength. Retrospective case study. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies of all persons with CPD who underwent cricopharyngeus (CP) intervention followed by routine postoperative fluoroscopic study, between October 1, 1999 and January 1, 2010 were reviewed. Objective measures of pharyngeal area and constriction were obtained from pretreatment and post-treatment studies. Paired t tests and repeated measures analysis of variance were employed to compare results. Fifty-four patients were included. Pharyngeal constriction and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening improved significantly after intervention (P < .05).Pharyngeal dilation was unchanged (P > .05). PES opening improved more with CP myotomy than with dilation and botulinum toxin. Relief of CP obstruction by surgery or dilation improves pharyngeal constriction and PES opening. Dilation of the pharynx possibly related to prolonged outlet obstruction does not improve. CP myotomy appears more effective than dilation or botulinum toxin in relieving obstruction.

Pharyngeal dilation in cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction and Zenker diverticulum

Prolonged obstruction at the level of the lower esophageal sphincter is associated with a dilated, poorly contractile esophagus. The association between prolonged obstruction at the level of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and dilation and diminished contractility of the pharynx is uncertain. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the association between prolonged obstruction at the level of the UES and dilation and diminished contractility of the pharynx. Case-control study. The fluoroscopic swallow studies of all persons with cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPD) diagnosed between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008 were retrospectively reviewed from a clinical database. Three categories of CPD were defined: nonobstructing cricopharyngeal bars (CPBs), obstructing CPBs, and Zenker diverticulum (ZD). The primary outcome measure was the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength on fluoroscopy. Secondary outcome measures included pharyngeal area in the lateral fluoroscopic view and UES opening. The outcome measures were compared between groups and to a cohort of nondysphagic age- and gender-matched controls with the analysis of variance. A total of 100 fluoroscopic swallow studies were evaluated. The mean age (+ or -standard deviation) of the cohort was 70 years (+ or -10 years). Thirty-six percent were female. The mean PCR progressively increased, indicating diminishing pharyngeal strength, from the normal (0.08), to the nonobstructing CPB (0.13), to the obstructing CPB (0.22), to the ZD group (0.28) (P < .001 with trend for linearity). There was a linear increase in pharyngeal area from the normal (8.75 cm(2)) to the nonobstructing CPB (10.00 cm(2)), to the obstructing CPB (10.46 cm(2)), to the ZD group (11.82 cm(2)) (P < .01 with trend for linearity). The data suggest that there is an association between cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction and progressive dilation and weakness of the pharynx. Laryngoscope, 2010.

Anatomic Study of Laser-Assisted Endoscopic Cricopharyngeus Myotomy

Laser-assisted endoscopic cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) myotomy has been used to correct dysphagia caused by CPM dysfunction. The aim of this study was to anatomically characterize this procedure in hopes of demonstrating its safety and efficacy. A Dohlman endoscope was used to isolate the CPM in 5 lightly preserved, thawed cadavers. A carbon dioxide laser at 10 W continuous power was used to section through the CPM in conjunction with a micromanipulator connected to an operating microscope. The specimens were then carefully dissected and photographed to demonstrate the anatomy of the pharyngoesophageal segment, including the location of the incision and the condition of the tissue planes. The CPM was harvested for histologic studies, sectioned, and prepared with modified Gomori trichrome stain. Gross examination of the retropharyngeal region revealed the presence of intact buccopharyngeal fascia between the lasered region and the retropharyngeal space. Histologic analysis demonstrated sectioning of the CPM with preservation of this fascia layer. Placement of the endoscope was difficult in 1 cadaver, in which we were unable to properly identify the CPM. The carbon dioxide laser-assisted endoscopic CPM myotomy is a potentially anatomically safe and viable procedure when properly performed. However, the potential for violation of the retropharyngeal space is real.

Endoscopic Zenker’s diverticulotomy (Dohlman procedure): Forty cases reviewed

Pharyngoesophageal diverticula, first described in 1769, occur in an area of natural weakness between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles of the pharynx and the cricopharyngeus muscle. The cause of these acquired diverticula is controversial, although most likely it is related to cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction. Treatment is directed toward correcting the underlying sphincter dysfunction and managing the diverticulum. Endoscopic diverticulotomy requires division of the cricopharyngeus and the common wall between the esophagus and diverticulum, a technique popularized by Dohlman. We reviewed the results of 40 endoscopic diverticulotomy patients, ranging in age from 46 to 88 years, many of whom had significant existing comorbidities. The mean size of the diverticula was 4.1 cm, mean surgery time was 41 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. Thirty-seven of 40 patients, including 3 whose previous external procedure was not successful, returned to a regular diet, reported no regurgitation and were satisfied with the procedure. Complications in order of occurrence were pneumomediastinum (4 patients), urinary tract infection (2), upper respiratory tract infection (2), and lip laceration (1). Our results compare favorably with those of external approaches. The technique should be considered safe, expedient, and effective, particularly in patients with existing comorbidities. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;116:209-12.)

Endoscopic Zenker's diverticulotomy (Dohlman procedure): forty cases reviewed.

Pharyngoesophageal diverticula, first described in 1769, occur in an area of natural weakness between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles of the pharynx and the cricopharyngeus muscle. The cause of these acquired diverticula is controversial, although most likely it is related to cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction. Treatment is directed toward correcting the underlying sphincter dysfunction and managing the diverticulum. Endoscopic diverticulotomy requires division of the cricopharyngeus and the common wall between the esophagus and diverticulum, a technique popularized by Dohlman. We reviewed the results of 40 endoscopic diverticulotomy patients, ranging in age from 46 to 88 years, many of whom had significant existing comorbidities. The mean size of the diverticula was 4.1 cm, mean surgery time was 41 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. Thirty-seven of 40 patients, including 3 whose previous external procedure was not successful, returned to a regular diet, reported no regurgitation and were satisfied with the procedure. Complications in order of occurrence were pneumomediastinum (4 patients), urinary tract infection (2), upper respiratory tract infection (2), and lip laceration (1). Our results compare favorably with those of external approaches. The technique should be considered safe, expedient, and effective, particularly in patients with existing comorbidities.

Hypopharyngeal diverticulum and the cricopharyngeus muscle: a posterior surgical approach.

Hypopharyngeal diverticulum and dysphagia due to cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction are a continuing challenge to the head and neck surgeon. The ability to completely transect the cricopharyngeus muscle is generally agreed to be the key to successful relief of symptoms, and--to an even greater extent--to prevention of recurrence. In the past, the most significant complications arising from such surgery have been recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and recurrent diverticulum or cricopharyngeus spasm. Both of these problems have been prevented by a modified surgical approach which takes advantage of the relatively bloodless retropharyngeal space. The logic of this posterior approach to the cricopharyngeus, from an anatomic standpoint, coupled with the good visualization and relatively bloodless field when approaching the muscle, suggests that it might be a suitable substitute for the more common lateral approach if continued long-term experience in larger number of cases does not lead to significant complications.