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Retrograde approach to pharyngo-esophageal obstruction
J J van Twisk1, R J Brummer, J J Manni
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Background:
The entrance of the esophagus has to be identified for treatment of a pharyngo-esophageal obstruction. If transoropharyngeal identification is unsuccessful, a retrograde approach might be indicated.
Methods:
By way of a mini-laparotomy and gastrotomy, a flexible gastroscope can be passed into the esophagus. In one patient with a Zenker's diverticulum, a guidewire was inserted through the accessory channel of the gastroscope and passed through a stenosis, caused by marked hypertrophy of the cricopharyngeal muscle, into the oral cavity. Thereafter antegrade dilatation and laser assisted myotomy could be performed. In another patient with a membranous obstruction of the esophageal entrance due to radiotherapy, the occlusion was perforated transoropharyngeally and bluntly dilatated guided by the light from the gastroscope.
Results:
In both cases the esophageal passage was restored. No complications occurred as a result of the procedures.
Conclusions:
The retrograde approach may be a good alternative when antegrade identification of the esophageal entrance fails.