[Rendezvous technique for complete hypopharyngeal stenosis. Indications and variations of combined endoscopy]

Hypopharyngeal stricture can result from a number of causes including chemoradiotherapy and esophagectomy and leads to inability to swallow with aspiration as well as permanent dependence on a gastrostomy tube. Antegrade dilatation or puncture and local mitomycin C application are often unsuccessful and many patients require extensive surgery.

We report three cases of total hypopharyngeal stenosis with different clinical histories. We present our experience using three modifications of the combined anterograde-retrograde endoscopic technique with resection of the stenosis by laser technique under diaphanoscopic control.

In all cases the hypopharyngeal-esophageal passage was restored. No complications occurred as a result of the procedure.

Combined direct hypopharyngoscopy with retrograde esophagoscopy represents a viable alternative to more extensive approaches for recanalization of selected obstructing hypopharyngeal stenoses when antegrade identification of the esophageal entrance fails.