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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Technical Considerations and Approach to Redo Foregut Surgery
Published on: September 22, 2023
Retrograde balloon dilation of complete cervical esophageal and hypopharyngeal strictures
Lance E Oxford1, Yadranko Ducic
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Objectives:
To evaluate and describe retrograde endoscopic dilation of 100% strictures of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx.
Methods And Materials:
All patients who presented to the senior author (Y.D.) from September 1997 to September 2003 with strictures of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
Six patients with 100% strictures of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx were available for review. Eighty-three percent of these patients were successfully treated endoscopically with the outlined technique. All were able to handle their secretions successfully, and four were no longer dependent on a gastrostomy tube.
Conclusions:
Retrograde dilation of complete strictures of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus appears to be safe, reliable, and associated with a high rate of ultimate success. It should be considered a first-line treatment prior to open approaches, which may be reserved for failures.
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