Cricopharyngeal myotomy in the treatment of dysphagia.

Cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed on 60 patients suffering from cervical oesophageal dysphagia. Of 37 that had a Zenker diverticulum the diverticulum was excised in 24. All patients were free of symptoms on post-operative follow-up at 2-10 years. In 10 patients with a cervical oesophageal web or postcricoid stenosis, the ability to eat normal food was restored. In 7 of 9 patients with neuromuscular diseases affecting swallowing and 2 of 4 patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia, food intake improved after myotomy. Apart from 4 transient palsies of the left recurrent nerve and 2 patients with aspiration pneumonia, no serious complications occurred. Cricopharyngeal myotomy can be a safe and effective method to improve the swallowing and quality of life of patients suffering from cervical oesophageal dysphagia of varied aetiology.