Relief of dysphagia in motor neurone disease with cricopharyngeal myotomy.

The results of cricopharyngeal myotomy in 31 patients with dysphagia caused by motor neurone disease are reported. Two had an excellent result, 8 a good result, 11 moderate relief of dysphagia while 4 did not benefit at all. There were 6 postoperative deaths. It is suggested that the operation is of benefit to the majority of patients with motor neurone disease but should be performed early in the course of the disease in order to reduce mortality and morbidity.