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Endoscopic CO2 laser cricopharyngeal myotomy
1Eye and Ear Clinic of Charleston, Inc., West Virginia, USA.
Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy effectively treats cricopharyngeal dysfunction and Zenker's diverticulum. This minimally invasive procedure safely and quickly restores swallowing function in patients with upper pharyngeal dysphagia.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Endoscopy
Background:
- Cricopharyngeal dysfunction causes severe upper pharyngeal dysphagia.
- Zenker's diverticulum can be treated endoscopically.
- Videofluoroscopy aids in assessing swallowing and cricopharyngeal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a staging system for cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
- To report the application of endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Videofluoroscopy to document swallowing stages and cricopharyngeal malfunction.
- Endoscopic visualization of the "cricopharyngeal crescent" (bar).
- Layered incision of the cricopharyngeal bar using CO2 or Nd:YAG laser.
Main Results:
- A new staging system for cricopharyngeal dysfunction was introduced.
- Endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed on 44 patients with dysfunction and 4 with Zenker's diverticulum.
- The procedure demonstrated effectiveness, safety, brevity, and prompt restoration of swallowing.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic laser cricopharyngeal myotomy is an effective and safe treatment for cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
- The procedure offers a minimally invasive approach to restoring swallowing.
- The introduced staging system aids in understanding and managing cricopharyngeal dysfunction.