Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy in infants

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Keith J Basler1, Catherine Swanson2, Steven M Andreoli2

  • 1University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Tampa, FL, USA.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|December 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Cricopharyngeal achalasia, a rare cause of swallowing difficulty in infants, can be effectively treated with endoscopic laser-assisted cricopharyngeal myotomy. This minimally invasive procedure offers a definitive cure, allowing infants to resume age-appropriate diets.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare condition causing dysphagia in infants.
  • Conservative treatments include medical therapy, dilations, and injections.
  • Surgical cricopharyngeal myotomy offers a definitive cure.

Observation:

  • Two infants under one year of age with cricopharyngeal achalasia were treated.
  • The surgical approach utilized was endoscopic laser-assisted cricopharyngeal myotomy.
  • Both infants tolerated age-appropriate diets post-surgery.

Findings:

  • Endoscopic laser-assisted cricopharyngeal myotomy resulted in complete resolution of achalasia in both cases.
  • Post-operative modified barium swallow confirmed successful treatment.
  • This represents the first case series of infants successfully treated with this technique.

Implications:

  • Endoscopic laser-assisted cricopharyngeal myotomy is a safe and effective treatment for infant cricopharyngeal achalasia.
  • This minimally invasive approach allows for rapid return to oral feeding.
  • Further research may establish this as a standard of care for this condition.

Keywords:
ChildrenCricopharyngeal achalasiaCricopharyngeal myotomyEndoscopicPediatric

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