Cricopharyngeal myotomy: a review of surgical results in patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia of neurogenic origin.

Cricopharyngeal myotomy is an effective procedure for the treatment of swallowing disorders due to dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter and pharyngeal musculature. Eight patients with documented pharyngeal and sphincteric dysfunction have undergone myotomies with significant improvement in swallowing associated with restoration of oral feeding without aspiration in 5, while 3 patients have not improved. The preoperative work-up and evaluation is discussed as well as criteria that may identify those patients most likely to benefit from this treatment.