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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.
Background:
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction is a narrowing at the level of the upper oesophageal sphincter caused by failed or incomplete sphincter opening as a result of lack of pharyngoesophageal coordination or reduction in the muscular compliance of the upper oesophageal sphincter. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a typical symptom. Videomanometry allows direct comparison of pressure readings with dynamic anatomy during swallowing.
Methods:
This is a prospective randomized pilot study that compares the effect of balloon dilatation and laser myotomy in cricopharyngeal dysfunction. We used videomanometry as an objective measure and the Swedish version of Sydney Swallowing Questionnaire as patient's self-assessment at baseline and 1 and 6 months after treatment.
Results:
The UES sagittal diameter increased from 5.6 mm pre-operatively to 8.4 mm 6 months post-operatively with no differences between treatment groups. Preoperative mean Sydney Swallowing Questionnaire score was 770 and 6 months post-operative score 559, with no difference between the treatments in our cohort.
Conclusion:
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction treatment by either laser myotomy or balloon dilatation improved upper oesophageal sphincter opening during at least 6 months.
Trial Registration:
ISRCTN84905610, date: 081214.
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