Failure of cricopharyngeal myotomy to improve dysphagia following head and neck cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cricopharyngeal myotomy can improve dysphagia associated with head and neck cancer surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. SETTING: Twelve clinical sites across the United States. PATIENTS: Between 1989 and 1994, 125 patients undergoing combined modality therapy for head and neck cancer, including resection of the tongue base or supraglottic larynx, were prospectively entered into the trial. INTERVENTION: Cricopharyngeal myotomy on a randomized basis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Videofluoroscopic examination to determine oropharyngeal swallowing efficiency, which is defined as the ratio of percentage of the bolus swallowed to total swallowing time using 3 different bolus consistencies. RESULTS: No significant difference in oropharyngeal swallowing efficiency between myotomy vs no myotomy was seen at 6 months of follow-up regardless of bolus consistency. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective test of cricopharyngeal myotomy, the procedure fails to significantly improve dysphagia associated with head and neck cancer surgery. The efficacy of this surgical procedure in other disease entities should also be rigorously explored.     

Cricopharyngeal myotomy in dysfunction of the pharyngo-esophageal sphincter

Dysphagia due to upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction is usually diagnosed by cineradiography. If the treatment of an underlying disorder fails to improve swallowing or if the dysfunction is thought to be idiopathic, cricopharyngeal myotomy is considered the treatment of choice. In properly selected cases (i.e. significant dysphagia and radiological proof of pharyngo-esophageal dysfunction) cricopharyngeal myotomy offers complete or at least substantial relief of symptoms for three out of four patients. The use of an operating microscope is strongly advised.     

Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy: indications and technique

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cricopharyngeal muscle myotomy to treat swallowing disorders has a definite role in the management of cervical dysphagia. Several reports emphasize the benefits of the endoscopic approach compared with the transcervical technique. This review examines recent surgical management of cricopharyngeus dysmotility. RECENT FINDINGS: Several investigations have provided pertinent information on selecting patients for cricopharyngeal myotomy. Manofluorography appears to be more accurate in detecting intrabolus pressure anomalies during swallowing. Isolated cricopharyngeus dyscoordination, however, is not easily identified using this method. Electromyographic activity of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and cricopharyngeus recorded by transcutaneous electrodes at rest and during deglutition has shown different dysfunction patterns. Ambulatory 24 h double probe pH monitoring and the triple sensor combination pH test demonstrate clinical correlation between pH results and symptoms in patients suffering from dysphagia related to laryngopharyngeal reflux. Transoral cricopharyngeal myotomy for the treatment of cricopharyngeus dysmotility is now established as a safe and effective method. The development of new devices has enhanced the procedure's efficacy and the overall success rate without major complications. SUMMARY: Diagnosis of cricopharyngeus dysfunction is based on anamnesis and videoradiograph findings. In doubtful cases manofluorography and electromyography should be performed. Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with cricopharyngeus dysphasia.     

Cricopharyngeal myotomy in the treatment of dysphagia

Deglutition is a complex neuromuscular act. Alterations in anatomy and physiology may lead to dysphagia. The role of the cricopharyngeus appears to be the keystone in the rehabilitation of many patients with dysphagia. This paper examines the physiology of swallowing as well as the patho-physiology of its aberrations. Techniques and complications of cricopharyngeal myotomy are presented. Cases of dysphagia due to ablative surgery of the head and neck, dermatomyositis, cerebrovascular accidents, and cricopharyngeal achalasia in which cricopharyngeal myotomy was utilized, are reported. It would appear from this small number of cases, that cricopharyngeal myotomy is indicated in the rehabilitation of dysphagia in patients with varied disease states.     

Botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeal muscle for dysphagia: report of 2 successful cases

Dysphagia is frequently observed in patients with sequelae after multiple cerebral infarctions and those with neuromyopathy. Dysphagia in these patients can be successfully treated by laryngeal suspension and cricopharyngeal myotomy. Surgery is not indicated in senile patients with serious complications, where conservative treatment is performed. We injected botulinum toxin into the right cricopharyngeal muscle with excellent results in two dysphagic patients with multiple cerebral infarction who refused surgery. There two cases developed dysphasia after multiple cerebral infarction, where surgical therapy was not indicated. Dysphagia is successfully treated by 5 units of botulinum toxin injected into the cricopharyngeal muscle. Botulinum toxin injection is considered useful for dysphagia in patients in whom surgery is not indicated. The effect of botulinum toxin lasts for 3 to 4 months. Injection of botulinum toxin is useful for patients with temporary dysphasia after cerebral infarction and soon improves swallowing with the assistance of rehabilitation.     

Management of dysphagia in inclusion body myositis.

Inclusion body myositis is an inflammatory myopathy in which dysphagia has been considered a rare finding. However, recent literature finds dysphagia an increasingly common symptom as more cases of inclusion body myositis are identified. Unlike some inflammatory myopathic disorders, inclusion body myositis is resistant to treatment with corticosteroids, and therefore, the otolaryngologist may be consulted regarding surgical options for relief of dysphagia. A patient is described in whom severe progressive dysphagia associated with inclusion body myositis developed. Impaired pharyngeal wall motion and cricopharyngeal achalasia were demonstrated by videofluoroscopic evaluation, and the patient was successfully treated by cricopharyngeal myotomy. The pathophysiologic nature of inclusion body myositis and the mechanisms of cervical dysphagia in the inflammatory myopathies are reviewed.     

Hypopharyngeal diverticulum formation following anterior discectomy and fusion: case series

Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum is a rare complication following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dysphagia is a well-documented complication associated with ACDF. It may result postoperatively from a variety of etiologies, including hardware displacement, pharyngeal edema, or vocal fold paresis. One rare cause of persistent dysphagia is the formation of a hypopharyngeal diverticulum, reported in the literature in 9 previous cases. Such diverticula after ACDF surgery may have pathogenesis that is distinct from that of typical Zenker diverticula. We report 3 new cases of hypopharyngeal diverticula in patients who underwent revision ACDFs. Variables assessed included age, sex, level of fusion, ACDF-related complications, and diverticulum management. Two patients underwent successful open surgical diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy. In the third case, the patient had a small diverticulum close to the surgical hardware and minimal symptoms and was managed conservatively. Our cases, combined with the 9 previous cases, demonstrate commonalities, particularly with regard to the risk of revision spinal surgery and infection and subsequent hypopharyngeal diverticula development. Hypopharyngeal diverticulum can occur as a complication of ACDF and should be considered in patients with persistent dysphagia after surgery. In this patient population, open resection and cricopharyngeal myotomy are recommended.     

Endoscopic CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser-assisted surgery for cricopharyngeal dysfunction

Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed on 29 patients with dysphagia from failed relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle. The patient outcome was retrospectively evaluated. The average age at the time of treatment was 62 years (range: 38-81 years), and the mean follow-up was 18 months (range:1-36 months). The procedure was the first to be performed in all except four of the patients. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included videofluoroscopic and flexible endoscopic evaluations of the swallow as well as patients' subjective ratings for dysphagia and aspiration. These investigations and self-assessments were rated from 0 (poor or abnormal) to 4 (good or normal). Surgical procedures were performed under general anesthesia. Using the diverticuloscope, the posterior portion of the cricopharyngeal muscle was exposed and CO2 laser sectioned. The wound was then covered with fibrin glue. Patients were parenterally fed for 72 h. Postoperative videofluoroscopy showed the absence of leakage, and all patients resumed oral intake on day 2. The median self-rating score improved from 1 to 4 for dysphagia and from 3 to 4 for aspiration. The outcome of the flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow improved from 2 to 4 and videofluoroscopy improved from 2 to 4. No surgical complication occurred. Endoscopic CO2 laser-assisted surgery is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of cricopharyngeal dysmotility.     

Videofluoroscopic swallow studies in unilateral cricopharyngeal dysfunction

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Although the cricopharyngeus muscle is a ring-like structure, unilateral cricopharyngeal dysfunction can produce significant dysphagia. This entity has not been well described in the literature. The aims of the study were to identify the characteristic findings on videofluoroscopic swallow studies in patients with dysphagia secondary to unilateral cricopharyngeal dysfunction, to note the associated vagal nerve injury, and to evaluate patient outcomes following ipsilateral cricopharyngeal myotomy. STUDY DESIGN : Retrospective clinical investigation. METHODS: The clinic charts, electromyographic tests, videostroboscopic examinations, and videofluoroscopic swallow studies were reviewed from a series of patients who presented to our institution from 1993 to 2001 with dysphagia and findings on videofluoroscopic swallow studies suggestive of unilateral cricopharyngeal dysfunction on posterior-anterior view. In patients treated with ipsilateral cricopharyngeal myotomy, postoperative findings on swallow studies and patient outcomes were also reviewed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients demonstrated findings characteristic of unilateral cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction on videofluoroscopic swallow study. The common feature was a unilateral shelf-like barrier at the cricopharyngeus on the posterior-anterior view with pooling of liquid bolus in the ipsilateral pyriform sinus and episodic shunting to the contralateral side. Eight patients did not have evidence of cricopharyngeal dysfunction (ie, cricopharyngeal bar) on lateral films. Of the 18 patients, 14 had histories consistent with vagal injury secondary to trauma (n = 2), neoplastic involvement (n = 7), iatrogenic injury (n = 2), or central nervous system disease (n = 3). Results of videostroboscopic examinations demonstrated vocal fold motion impairment in 14 patients, and electromyographic test results confirmed unilateral vagal injuries in those who underwent electromyographic testing (n = 6). In the remaining 4 of 18 patients, videostroboscopic examinations demonstrated normal vocal fold abduction but impaired lengthening with a posterior glottic gap, and electromyographic test results (n = 4) indicated unilateral superior laryngeal nerve involvement. Of the 15 patients treated with ipsilateral cricopharyngeal myotomy, 1 patient required postoperative esophageal dilations for an esophageal stricture distal to the cricopharyngeus, whereas the remaining 14 patients had functional resolution of their dysphagia. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with dysphagia and evidence of unilateral vagal injury, careful assessment of posterior-anterior view on videofluoroscopic swallow study should be included to evaluate for unilateral cricopharyngeal dysfunction.     

KTP Laser assisted microendoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy and web excision for dysphagia management

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction is defined as the delayed or incomplete relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle during swallowing. This may cause dysphagia and aspiration, affecting the quality of life. For this condition, injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeus, dilatation of cricopharynx with bougies and external cricopharyngeal myotomy have been the treatment of choice with varying results. We present in this paper the treatment of this clinical condition by KTP 532 laser a recent advance in the field of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. Very few series have been reported in literature so far regarding the use of laser for cricopharyngeal myotomy. This is perhaps the first series of eight cases of KTP laser assisted microendoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy and web excision reporting the benefit of this treatment by an Indian author in an Indian Journal. KTP laser assisted cricopharyngeal myotomy avoids an external scar; aids precise incision at the cricopharynx by direct visualization, brings optimum results in deglutition and reduces postoperative morbidity and complications. The short hospital stay reduces the overall cost. The use of KTP 532 laser in the treatment of selected cases with cricopharyngeal dysfunction is therefore safe and effective.     

Feeding difficulties in a neonate with primary cricopharyngeal achalasia treated by cricopharyngeal myotomy

Primary cricopharyngeal achalasia resulting from failure of relaxation of the cricopharyngeus muscle is a rare but significant cause of dysphagia in newborns. Symptoms may be nonspecific. Although surgical management with cricopharyngeal myotomy has been employed successfully for the treatment of this disorder, swallowing difficulties may persist postoperatively, probably due to association with other esophageal abnormalities. Alternative methods of feeding may be required to ensure adequate nutrient intake. We report the case of a full-term, 2-day-old neonate with this rare clinical condition, treated by myotomy, in whom swallowing difficulties persisted for several weeks after surgery. Satisfactory nutrition was maintained postoperatively with the support of a nasogastric feeding tube until improvement in feeding intolerance. Complete symptomatic relief was attained at the age of 5 months.     

Muscle pathology in idiopathic cricopharyngeal dysphagia

Summary The structural changes in the cricopharyngeal muscle (CM) were examined ultrastructurally and by enzyme histochemistry in five patients suffering from idiopathic cricopharyngeal dysphagia (ICD). Diagnosis was established by fiberoptic esophagoscopy, esophageal manometry and cineradiography. Cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed with marked improvement in all patients. Intraoperatively, a biopsy was taken from the CM. Additionally, all patients underwent neurological examination for possible generalized muscle disease, and a biopsy was taken from a limb muscle. CM from nine cadavers without known history of dysphagia served as control. The control samples disclosed structural changes which were considered to be pathological in other skeletal muscles, and required that the criteria for CM pathology we modified accordingly. In three patients changes in CM histology suggested specific pathogenesis: one patient had evidence for a generalized myositis but was only symptomatic for dysphagia. Another patient had muscle fiber atrophy and slight inflammation in her CM, possibly due to alcohol abuse. The third patient had loss of CM fibers with replacement by connective tissue enough to cause functional disturbances. In two patients no cause for dysphagia was found in either immunohistochemistry or electron microscopic studies. These results demonstrate the special structural features of the CM and indicate that ICD can have multiple etiologies.     

Transoral resection of short segment Zenker's diverticulum and cricopharyngeal myotomy: An alternative minimally invasive approach

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Transoral treatment of cricopharyngeal bar and small Zenker's diverticulum remains a challenge. We propose a new transoral approach for transoral cricopharyngeal myotomy (TOCPM) for patients with cricopharyngeal spasm and pharyngeal bar, and for transoral resection of diverticula (TORD) with cricopharyngeal myotomy in the patient with small (<3 cm) Zenker's diverticulum.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of 45 patients with cricopharyngeal spasm (21) and Zenker's diverticulum (24), where 14 patients were considered suitable for TORD and TOCPM. TOCPM used the Weerda laryngoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) to expose the cricopharyngeal bar using a microscope; the mucosa is cut and then the muscle is transected using monopolar cautery. A 0° endoscope is inserted through the incision to ensure complete myotomy. Incision closure is by interrupted 4‐0 Vicryl sutures (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ) and fibrin glue. For the TORD procedure, the diverticular sac is everted and then resected using scissors. Through the sac opening, the TOCPM is completed. The sac opening is then closed as described in TOCPM. The patients are kept without food for 24 hours, followed by feeding and discharge. Modified barium swallow (MBS) evaluated functional results.

Results:

Fourteen patients underwent TOCPM (eight), and TOCPM+TORD (six). There was one case of TOCPM that was aborted due to excessive bleeding, which prevented full myotomy. The rest did well. All were discharged the next day. Two poor results from the TOCPM and TOCPM+TORD group were due to poor esophageal motility. The remainder of patients had resolution of dysphagia and normalized MBS. No patient developed stricture or complications.

Conclusions:

Short segment Zenker's diverticulum and cricopharyngeal bar can now be addressed completely with a transoral approach. Because there is complete closure of the mucosal incision, prolonged hospitalization can be avoided. Laryngoscope, 2010     

Cricopharyngeal Botox injection: indications and technique

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Botulinum injection is a widespread technique for treating oropharyngeal dysphagia although there are no standards or guidelines. Based on the literature review we try to make some recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last 12 months molecular and pharmacological research has reported the working mechanism of the various botulinum toxin types which tries to explain former clinical observations such as variable response rate and therefore dosage, and toxin type specific resistance. Recent dose-ranging studies or comparisons of different toxin preparations or types rarely focus on oropharyngeal dysphagia. SUMMARY: Injection of botulinum toxin A should be considered in cases of relative hypertonicity of the cricopharyngeal muscle and has an onset around day 7 and an offset of at least 4 months. The technique is simple and the complication rate is extremely low (7/100). There are some conditions for success: injection in the horizontal part of the cricopharyngeal muscle, and a high enough start dose. Botulinum injection may be preferred over surgical myotomy because of the low risk, low cost and effectiveness of the procedure. Only in cases of BoNT/A resistance should other toxin types be used.     

Congenital cricopharyngeal achalasia in a 4.5-year-old managed by cervical myotomy: a case report

Introduction

Congenital cricopharyngeal achalasia (CCA) is a rare disorder in children characterized by inappropriate contraction of the cricopharyngeus muscle, resulting in the inability to relax the upper esophageal sphincter during deglutition. We report the diagnostic process and management of a relatively older patient who underwent cricopharyngeal myotomy at the age of 4.5 years.

Methods

A retrospective review of the case and clinical follow-up was performed.

Results

This young patient had a long history of dysphagia, choking, nasal reflux and recurrent pneumonia and croup since birth and was diagnosed with CCA at 22 months of age. She underwent balloon dilation of the cricopharyngeus muscle shortly thereafter with only transient relief of her symptoms of feeding difficulty (choking and aspiration). The parents were reluctant for her to undergo further interventions until 2 years later when they consented to cricopharyngeal myotomy. She underwent transcervical myotomy at age 4.5 years and had complete relief of her symptoms. She had no post-operative complications and has done well for nearly 12 months following myotomy.

Discussion

Our patient is one of the oldest children reported to have undergone myotomy, recovered quickly, and had no difficulty swallowing at any time following surgery. We suggest transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy as the preferred treatment due to its lasting effects and repeated success in relieving dysphagia in young patients with CCA.     

Pharyngeal diverticulum as a sequela of anterior cervical fusion

A rarely diagnosed etiology of dysphagia is a pharyngeal diverticula occurring after anterior cervical fusion. Here we review 2 cases where patients developed pharyngeal diverticula following anterior cervical fusion. The first patient was a 28-year-old female who presented with regurgitation following C5 through C6 cervical fusion. She was diagnosed with a pharyngeal diverticulum and underwent open repair, but began to experience symptoms again a few months later. A barium swallow showed a recurrent pharyngeal diverticulum. Endoscopic repair was attempted; however, because of the thick scar band between the diverticulum and the esophagus, the operation had to be converted to an open repair with cricopharyngeal myotomy. The second case involved a 63-year-old male who presented with dysphagia and regurgitation 6 months after anterior cervical fusion. Esophagram demonstrated a small diverticulum at the right lateral border of the upper esophagus. Open repair of the diverticulum with cricopharyngeal myotomy was successfully performed. Pharyngeal diverticula after anterior cevical fusion have only been reported in 2 prior cases in the literature. Here we describe 2 additional cases at our institution, both requiring open repair. Radiographic studies demonstrate the diverticulum at the site of scarring from the cervical fusion. Because of the thick scar band and the atypical location of these diverticula, endoscopic repair with stapping (as done for Zenker's diverticula) may not be feasible. These cases highlight the importance of considering a diverticulum in the differential of posoperative patients presenting to the otolaryngologists with complaints of dysphagia following cevical spine surgery.     

Surgical Outcome in 87 Patients With Zenker's Diverticulum

Surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum is controversial because many different procedures exist. We retrospectively reviewed 87 consecutive patients surgically treated for Zenker's diverticulum at a tertiary care institution from 1976 through 1993. Four surgical procedures were performed: cricopharyngeal myotomy alone (n = 16), excision (hand-sewn) plus myotomy (n = 51), excision (stapler) plus myotomy (n = 11), and diverticulopexy plus myotomy (n = 9). There were three surgical mortalities (3.5%) and a complication rate of 24%. Eighty patients (92%) were available for follow up. Sixty-eight patients (78%) reported excellent relief of symptoms, 10 (13%) reported improvement with occasional symptoms, and two (3%) described persistent dysphagia. No statistical difference in complication rate was found among surgical groups (P = 0.15). Myotomy alone patients had worse outcomes (P = 0.04) compared with the other surgical groups. Median follow-up was 7.5 months.     

Zenker's diverticulum: analysis of surgical complications from diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for postoperative complications in patients undergoing diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal (CP) myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review was conducted of all patients with a Zenker's diverticulum who were treated with diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy at three tertiary care centers in central Indiana between 1988 and 1998. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients identified, 9 developed postoperative complications (2 medical and 7 surgical). Statistical analysis of multiple potential risk factors revealed that only diverticulum size greater than 10 cm2 at surgery placed the patient at increased risk for postoperative surgical complications. To our knowledge, this is the first report that has specifically addressed diverticulum size as an independent risk factor for postoperative surgical complications following diverticulectomy and CP myotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Given our findings, we recommend considering diverticulopexy rather than diverticulectomy in a patient with a Zenker's diverticulum greater than 10 cm2 in size if a cervical approach is the selected treatment.     

Complications in the management of large glomus jugulare tumors

This study analyzes the complications encountered in the surgical treatment of 17 patients with large glomus jugulare tumors. All 17 patients sustained either new cranial nerve palsies or exacerbation of preexisting palsies. These involved, in descending order of frequency, the facial nerve, the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves, and the hypoglossal nerve. Postoperative palsies of the facial nerve involved 17 patients, as compared to 5 preoperatively. Fifteen patients had postoperative partial or complete paralysis of the vagus nerve as compared to eight preoperatively. Ten patients had postoperative palsies of the hypoglossal nerve as compared to six preoperatively. Other complications included CSF leak, meningitis, and wound infection. Aspiration and dysphagia were encountered postoperatively in 13 patients. Teflon injection of paretic vocal cords and cricopharyngeal myotomy effectively improved the ability to swallow and the quality of the voice. Prompt recognition and treatment of complications is essential for effective surgical management of large glomus jugulare tumors.     

Associated carotid body tumour and pharyngeal pouch

Paragangliomas are rare tumours which most commonly present as an asymptomatic neck mass. A small percentage of patients may have associated dysphagia. A 63-year-old male presented with a ten-month history of dysphagia. Physical examination revealed a pulsatile submandibular triangle neck mass. Computed tomography and angiography were diagnostic of a carotid body tumour. Barium swallow illustrated a hypopharyngeal pouch. He was treated by surgical excision of both lesions and cricopharyngeal myotomy. The simultaneous occurrence of both lesions has not been described before and highlights the need to find an alternative cause for dysphagia in patients with chemodectomas who fail to demonstrate oropharyngeal compression or lower cranial nerve palsies.