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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
Published on: August 11, 2023
Indications and outcomes of endoscopic CO2 laser cricopharyngeal myotomy
Jennifer L Bergeron1, Dinesh K Chhetri
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
To describe indications, management, and outcomes of endoscopic CO2 laser cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM).
Study Design:
Case series with chart review.
Methods:
All patients treated with endoscopic CO2 laser CPM over a 6-year period were identified. A retrospective chart review was performed for surgical indication, history and physical examinations, and swallow evaluations. Swallowing outcomes were assessed using the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS); findings were compared across groups.
Results:
Eighty-seven patients underwent endoscopic CO2 laser CPM during the study period for cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Indications included Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) (39), DiGeorge syndrome (two), stroke (five), nerve injury (two), radiation for head and neck cancer (15), idiopathic (16), hyperfunctional tracheoesophageal speech (five) and dysphagia from cricopharyngeus stricture after laryngectomy (three). Mean, median, and mode time to feeding postoperatively were 1.4, 1, and 0 days respectively. Mean, median, and mode hospital stays were 1.8, 1, and 1 day respectively. Overall, FOSS scores improved from 2.6 to 1.6 (P < .001). Improvement was greatest for patients with ZD (2.4 to 1.0) and cricopharyngeal dysfunction from nerve injury (3.3 to 1.8) and least for those with prior radiation (3.9 to 3.2). All patients undergoing CPM for poor tracheoesophageal speech regained speech postoperatively. No patients developed mediastinitis, abscess, or fistula.
Conclusions:
Endoscopic CO2 laser CPM is a safe treatment for cricopharyngeal dysfunction of various causes, though swallowing outcomes may vary depending on the surgical indication. Early feeding postoperatively after CPM is safe and facilitates early hospital discharge.
Level Of Evidence:
4.
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