Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
Treatment of cricopharyngeal dysfunction: a comparative pilot study.
Beatriz Arenaz Búa1,2, Rolf Olsson3, Ulla Westin4
1Division of Logopedics, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Jan Waldenströmsgata 18, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden. barenazb@yahoo.com.
Balloon dilatation and laser myotomy effectively treat cricopharyngeal dysfunction, improving upper esophageal sphincter opening. Both methods showed similar positive outcomes in a pilot study.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Swallowing Disorders
Background:
- Cricopharyngeal dysfunction involves upper esophageal sphincter narrowing, often causing oropharyngeal dysphagia.
- It results from impaired sphincter opening due to poor coordination or reduced muscular compliance.
- Videomanometry aids in assessing swallowing dynamics and pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare balloon dilatation and laser myotomy for treating cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
- To evaluate treatment effectiveness using videomanometry and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective randomized pilot study comparing balloon dilatation and laser myotomy.
- Videomanometry used for objective upper esophageal sphincter (UES) diameter measurement.
- Sydney Swallowing Questionnaire assessed patient-reported dysphagia symptoms.
Main Results:
- UES sagittal diameter increased significantly from 5.6 mm to 8.4 mm at 6 months post-treatment.
- No significant difference in UES diameter improvement between balloon dilatation and laser myotomy groups.
- Patient-reported dysphagia scores improved from 770 to 559, with no difference between treatments.
Conclusions:
- Both balloon dilatation and laser myotomy are effective treatments for cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
- Treatments lead to improved upper esophageal sphincter opening for at least six months.
- No significant difference in outcomes between the two treatment modalities was observed.
More Related Videos
07:11Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
07:30Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses