Circular myotomy for esophageal stricture.

In this paper circular myotomy is described in the treatment of localized esophageal stricture, following accidental swallowing of silver nitrate. The stricture was 4 cm long, extending from the oropharynx to the thoracic inlet. After resection, establishment of esophageal continuity was only possible after performing circular esophageal myotomy. This procedure can be attempted before embarking on esophageal replacement operations.