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Content: Results
The UES sagittal diameter increased from 5.6 mm pre-operatively to 8.4 mm 6 months post-operatively with no differences between treatment groups. Preoperative mean Sydney Swallowing Questionnaire score was 770 and 6 months post-operative score 559, with no difference between the treatments in our cohort. Conclusion
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction treatment by either laser myotomy or balloon dilatation improved upper oesophageal sphincter opening during at least 6 months. Trial registration: ISRCTN84905610, date: 081214
Keywords: Cricopharyngeal dysfunction, Upper oesophageal sphincter, Cricopharyngeus muscle, Videomanometry, Sydney Swallowing Questionnaire
Background
The pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) is made up of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor, the cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) and the proximal part of the cervical oesophagus. The upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) is a 2.5–4.5 cm high-pressure zone visualized on manometry between the pharynx and oesophagus. PES refers to anatomy and UES to function, but the terms are synonymous. The CPM is 1–2 cm and it is a key component of the UES because it is the only portion that actively participates in all reflexive relaxation and tightening activities [1].