Dysphagia Secondary to Cricopharyngeal Muscle Dysfunction: Surgical Management

Abstract

Neuromuscular dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle is becoming increasingly recognized as a cause of dysphagia, particularly in the growing geriatric population. The disorder may occur primarily, or as part of a generalized neurologic syndrome. This debilitating and potentially lethal type of dysphagia, formerly managed by nasogastric tube or gastrostomy feeding, is usually correctable by simple section of the cricopharyngeus muscle. We report a series of six successfully managed patients to illustrate important aspects of diagnosis and treatment.