Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy for management of cricopharyngeal achalasia (CA) in an 18–month–old child

Abstract

A 6-month-old patient presented with dysphagia and failure to thrive. Video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and manometry were diagnostic for CA. A gastrostomy tube was placed at 8 months. Botulinum toxin injection improved symptoms, but within 10 weeks symptoms returned. At 18 months, an uncomplicated endoscopic CPM was performed. A postoperative VFSS demonstrated cricopharyngeal bar resolution. Within 3 months, patient was feeding orally without a G tube. Pediatric CPA treatment options consist of dilation, botox, and transcervical CPM. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient treated with endoscopic CPM. Intraoperative video and photographs are presented.