Cricopharyngeal myotomy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Reported herein is the experience of the authors with 38 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients for whom cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed. The major surgical objectives were facilitation of swallowing and amelioration of the tendency of these patients to aspirate ingestants and secretions. In the group of these patients in which the follow-up information has been adequate, 64% were improved and 36% experienced no significant benefits. The authors' surgical indications, methods of anesthesia, surgical technique, and postoperative care are described.