Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Upper Esophageal Sphincter for Dysphagia During the Acute Postoperative Phase of Anterior Cervical Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To verify the pathophysiology of dysphagia during the acute postoperative phase of anterior cervical surgery and to identify its predictive features, using ultrasonographic (US) examination for upper esophageal sphincter (UES). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are no clinical studies investigating dysphagia after anterior cervical surgery, using US examination for UES. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery between August 2018 and March 2022. Dysphagia was evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaires. The US examination was performed preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. Three US parameters for morphologic measurements (outer diameter, inner diameter, and muscle thickness) and 4 for functional measurements (displacement, time to relax, passing duration, and time to contract) were assessed. To verify the pathophysiology of postoperative dysphagia, we examined the change in the ratios of US parameters (=US parameter 2 weeks postoperatively /US parameter at baseline ) and the existence of significant correlations with change in the EAT-10 score (=EAT-10 2 weeks postoperatively -EAT-10 at baseline ). To identify the predictive features, the baseline US parameters were compared between dysphagia (+) and dysphagia (-) groups. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients (mean age, 61.3 y; 78.3% male) were included for analysis. A greater increase of the EAT-10 score after surgery was positively correlated with change ratios of the muscle thickness and time to contract and negatively with change ratio of the inner diameter. The dysphagia (+) group exhibited significantly greater inner diameter and smaller muscle thickness at baseline than the dysphagia (-) group. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia during the acute postoperative phase of anterior cervical surgery is caused by the physical narrowing of the inner lumen due to muscle thickening of the UES and sphincter contractile dysfunction. In addition, a baseline UES morphology characterized by a greater inner diameter and a thinner muscle layer is predictive of postoperative dysphagia.

Association of the "Jet Phenomenon" with Positive Symptom Outcome Following Surgical Treatment of Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common cause for progressive dysphagia and can lead to dietary restriction, reduced nutrition, weight loss, and pneumonia. Controversy exists whether CPMD is best managed with primary surgical treatment of the cricopharyngeus muscle and who represents a good surgical candidate. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with CPMD who underwent surgical treatment were evaluated through prospectively collected pre- and postoperative Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were reviewed for presence or absence of a high-pressure barium stream through the upper esophageal sphincter, termed the jet phenomenon (JP). RESULTS: We identified 42 patients with CPMD who underwent surgical treatment and had serial Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) measures obtained pre- and postoperatively. Mean EAT-10 scores improved by 12.1 points (95%CI = 8.6-15.6), p < 0.0001. There was a significantly greater improvement among patients with JP (|∆EAT-10|= 17.0, 95%CI = 12.5-21.4) compared to those without (|∆EAT-10|= 6.2, 95%CI = 1.6-10.8), p = 0.0013. Patients with JP also showed improved FOIS score (p = 0.0023) while those without JP did not. CONCLUSION: This study provides the initial report on the utility of JP as a VFSS feature that is strongly associated with improved outcomes following surgical treatment of CPMD. Further work determining the physiologic correlates responsible for JP will help clarify its predictive capabilities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy and septotomy for Zenker diverticulum.

Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is the most common hypopharyngeal diverticulum seen often in septuagenarian and octogenarian males. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the most common presenting symptom. Treatment of ZD has been advancing with the introduction of a wide variety of accessory devices, primarily focusing on obliteration of the septum by complete transection of the cricopharyngeus muscle to recreate the common cavity and restore normal pharyngo-esophageal bolus outflow. This review aimed to provide an overview of the various surgical and endoscopic treatment options for ZD, while focusing specifically on Zenker peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Cricopharyngeal Myotomy in Inclusion Body Myositis: Comparison of Endoscopic and Transcervical Approaches.

OBJECTIVE: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a progressive inflammatory myopathy with dysphagia as a debilitating sequalae. Otolaryngologists are consulted for surgical candidacy when there are findings of cricopharyngeal dysfunction. We aim to compare transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy (TCPM) versus endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (ECPM) in the IBM population with particular focus on objective swallow study outcomes, complications, and recurrence rates. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on IBM patients who underwent TCPM or ECPM (1981-2020) in the Department of Otolaryngology at a tertiary academic center with a high volume IBM referral base. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies, Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), and Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS) were collected at preoperative and follow-up visits. Baseline patient characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative course were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were identified (18 TCPM; 23 ECPM). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rates, complications, hospitalization length, operative time, or return to preoperative diet between approaches. For the 12 patients (11 ECPM; 1 TCPM) that had subjective swallow data, there was a statistically significant difference in the pre and postoperative scores for EAT-10, RSI, and FOSS (P < .05). There was a statistically significant improvement in the degree of narrowing between pre and postoperative imaging for both approaches (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Both TCPM and ECPM are safe approaches for the management of dysphagia in patients with IBM with objective evidence of cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Cricopharyngeal myotomy is a durable technique that has demonstrated improved subjective and objective outcomes in this patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2426-E2431, 2021.

Early Adverse Events Following Transcervical Hypopharyngeal Diverticulum Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe rates of short-term morbidity following transcervical surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal diverticulum (HD) and analyze predictors of adverse events. METHODS: The 2005 to 2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients diagnosed with HD undergoing open transcervical diverticulectomy. RESULTS: A total of 597 patients with a mean age of 71.4 ± 12.3 years were included. Thirty-day adverse events were experienced by 63 (10.6%) subjects, including 6.5% unplanned reoperations, 4.2% surgical complications, 4.4% medical complications, 2.7% readmissions, and 0.7% deaths. Medical complications notably included pneumonia (2.0%), reintubation (1.2%), sepsis (1.2%), intubation >48 hours (0.5%), urinary tract infection (0.5%), or deep vein thrombosis (0.5%), while surgical complications included organ/space infection (2.0%) and superficial (1.3%) or deep (1.0%) surgical site infection. Gender, race, functional status, diabetes, dyspnea, hypertension, steroid use, and recent weight loss were not associated with adverse events. Length of operation and hospitalization were both higher among those with adverse events (127.4 ± 107.9 vs 95.7 ± 59.8 minutes, P = 0.027, and 7.4 ± 7.4 vs 2.8 ± 3.6 days, P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (OR = 2.02, P = 0.017), smoking (OR = 2.10, P = 0.044), and operation time (OR = 1.01; P = 0.005) were independent predictors of adverse events. Obesity was not associated with length of stay, readmission/reoperation, or complications. However, increased age was associated with shorter operations (P = 0.020), higher length of hospitalization (P < 0.001), and higher mortality (P = 0.027) and readmission rates (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Understanding clinical factors associated with complications following open surgery for HD such as ASA score, smoking status, length of operation, and age can help optimize surgical outcomes for at-risk patients.

Per Oral Zenker Diverticulotomy.

Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is a rare but treatable surgical disease affecting the elderly. This article reviews current available evidence and management of ZD, which includes open surgical, rigid endoscopic, and flexible endoscopic diverticulotomy with common goal of complete division of cricopharyngeus muscle. Careful patient selection and operative intervention tailored to patient characteristics is important when evaluating patients for operative intervention for ZD. Described in detail is a novel flexible endoscopic approach using submucosal tunneling technique to perform cricopharyngeal myotomy, also called per oral endoscopic myotomy, which is demonstrated to be safe and effective in the management of ZD with low morbidity.

Modified external approach to the pediatric cricopharyngeal myotomy: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success of a modified approach to external pediatric cricopharyngeal myotomy in children with inappropriate upper esophageal sphincter relaxation as determined by video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and pediatric manometry findings. METHODS: This is a case series in which hospital records of all patients who underwent a modified external approach to pediatric cricopharyngeal myotomy 2017 to 2019 were reviewed at a single institution. The primary outcome measure was post-operative diet and presence of aspiration/penetration on post-operative VFSS. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients underwent modified external approach to pediatric cricopharyngeal myotomy. The average age of the child at the time of surgery was 5.6 (±3.7) years. The average duration (SD) of surgery was 90 (±30) minutes and no complications were observed. 6 of 7 patients (86%) demonstrated an improvement in swallow function after the procedure. The single child who did not was suffering from a posterior fossa tumor which was resected and radiated, which likely made their dysphagia multi-factorial. Although no pediatric normative data exists for upper esophageal sphincter pressure, we observed an average decrease in UES residual pressure of 8.5 (±15.1) mmHg and an average decrease in mean UES pressure of 21.2 (±35.1) mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The modified external approach to the pediatric cricopharyngeal myotomy appears to be a safe and efficient procedure with no apparent complications to date. However, further longitudinal data is needed to formally evaluate the efficacy of this procedure when treating pediatric cricopharyngeal achalasia.

Effect of Laryngeal Suspension and Upper Esophageal Sphincter Myotomy for Severe Dysphagia Due to Brainstem Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical procedure is considered in patients with severe dysphagia when conservative treatment fails. This study aimed to evaluate laryngeal suspension (LS) and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) myotomy for treating severe dysphagia due to brain disease. METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent LS and UES myotomy, with a median follow-up of 5 years and 6 months when conservative treatment failed. The penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), the Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS), the Eating Status Scale (ESS), and diet contents were evaluated just before surgery, at discharge, and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Preoperative intake was tube feeding in all patients. The patients learned the extended head and flexed neck posture to open the esophageal inlet. PAS, DSS and ESS scores, and diet contents were significantly improved at discharge compared with before surgery, and were maintained until the last follow-up. Eight patients had pneumonia during their hospital stay, and five had pneumonia between discharge and at the last follow-up. Age was significantly, negatively correlated with DSS and ESS at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although LS and UES myotomy require a long inpatient rehabilitation and the risk of pneumonia after surgery is high, the outcome is favorable and the effects last for a long time.

Quality of Life in Treating Persistent Neurogenic Dysphagia with Cricopharyngeal Myotomy.

Neurological impairment is an important cause of dysphagia. This study analyzed whether quality of life (QoL) is improved after coblation-assisted endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (CAECPM) for patients with persistent neurological dysphagia who meet the criteria by using the Chinese version of the Swallow Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (CSWAL-QOL). 22 patients with dysphagia for more than 6 months after stroke or lateral skull base surgery were screened. All patients exhibited a poor response to conservative treatment such as swallowing rehabilitation. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) showed a restricted cricopharyngeal opening. The preoperative CSWAL-QOL score was 377.7 (311.3-493.0) out of 1000; the postoperative score was 641.7 (293.7-758.3) out of 1000; the preoperative median dysphagia frequency was 41.4 (25.7-61.4) out of 100; and the postoperative median score was 64.3 (24.3-80.0). A significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative scores together with dysphagia frequency (P < 0.05). Among all the variables, laryngeal elevation ability was statistically significantly correlated with efficacy of CAECPM (P = 0.01). These values indicate that quality of life could be improved after CAECPM for patients with persistent neurological dysphagia, who have cricopharyngeal achalasia. The ability of laryngeal elevation has significant influence. The CSWAL-QOL can be used to assess different aspects of the swallow-related quality of life of these patients.

An international study on the use of peroral endoscopic myotomy in the management of Zenker's diverticulum.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The novel use of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) was recently described in case reports. The aim of this study is to report a multicenter experience with the POEM technique in the management of ZD. METHODS: This is a multicenter international retrospective study involving 10 centers. The Zenker's POEM technique was performed using principles of submucosal endoscopy. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (73.3 ± 1.2 years, 33 women) were included with a mean Charleson comorbidity index of 4 ± .2. The mean size of ZD was 31.3 ± 1.6 mm (range, 10-89). The overall technical success rate was 97.3% (73/75). There were 2 technical failures because of the inability to locate the septum and failed tunnel creation. Adverse events occurred in 6.7% (5/75): 1 bleed (mild) conservatively managed and 4 perforations (1 severe, 3 moderate). The mean procedure time was 52.4 ± 2.9 minutes, and mean length of hospital stay was 1.8 ± .2 days. Clinical success was achieved in 92% (69/75) with a decrease in mean dysphagia score from 1.96 to .25 (P < .0001). The median length of follow-up was 291.5 days (interquartile range, 103.5-436). At the 12-month follow-up, 1 patient reported symptom recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic management of ZD using the POEM technique is novel and feasible with promising efficacy and safety results. Long-term follow-up is needed to ensure durability of response. In addition, comparative studies with other treatment modalities are warranted.

A long-term prospective study of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic septotomy using the LigaSure(R) system for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum

Background and objectives: endoscopic septotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle (ESCM) is a technique used for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). The experience with computerized vascular sealing systems (LigaSure(R) type) is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESCM using LigaSure(R). Methods: this was a long-term prospective study of 18 patients with ZD, who were referred to our hospital due to ESCM between 2010 and 2016. The severity of the symptoms was determined using the Dakkak-Bennett validated scale for dysphagia and the rest with numerical scales. The rates of relapse and retreatment were evaluated. Results: ESCM with LigaSure(R) was performed in 17 cases, one case was excluded due to technical difficulties. The median age was 72 years and regurgitation, dysphagia and respiratory symptoms were found in 100%, 89% and 56% of cases, respectively. The median size of the diverticulum was 28 mm (20-60 mm). The median time of the procedure was 35 minutes (25-45 minutes). There were four complications, two hemorrhages and two perforations. The median follow-up was 13 months (range: 12-82 months). Clinical improvements were observed for all symptoms and were maintained 12 months after treatment (p < 0.05). There was no relapse during follow-up in 13 patients. A complete section was not achieved and clinical relapse occurred after a median time of seven months that required retreatment in the remaining patients. Conclusions: ESCM with LigaSure(R) may be a safe and effective technique in long-term follow-up situations, with low rates of relapse

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Upper Esophageal Sphincter Dilation for Recalcitrant Dysphagia Secondary to Dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis is a rare multisystem autoimmune disorder occasionally accompanied by dysphagia. It is typically treated with immune modulating agents; however, dysphagia is often unresponsive to these. Previous reports have demonstrated the utility of videoflouroscopy and manometry in understanding the etiologies of dysphagia to inform a procedural target, historically the cricopharyngeus muscle. We present a case of dermatomyositis and dysphagia resistant to medical management in a patient found by videoflouroscopy and manometry to have severe oropharyngeal dysphagia, esophageal dysmotility and a cricopharyngeal web. We demonstrate the utility and safety of upper esophageal sphincter dilation by transnasal esophagoscopy even in the setting of multifactorial dysphagia.

A long-term prospective study of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic septotomy using the LigaSure® system for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: endoscopic septotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle (ESCM) is a technique used for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). The experience with computerized vascular sealing systems (LigaSure® type) is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESCM using LigaSure®. METHODS: this was a long-term prospective study of 18 patients with ZD, who were referred to our hospital due to ESCM between 2010 and 2016. The severity of the symptoms was determined using the Dakkak-Bennett validated scale for dysphagia and the rest with numerical scales. The rates of relapse and retreatment were evaluated. RESULTS: ESCM with LigaSure® was performed in 17 cases, one case was excluded due to technical difficulties. The median age was 72 years and regurgitation, dysphagia and respiratory symptoms were found in 100%, 89% and 56% of cases, respectively. The median size of the diverticulum was 28 mm (20-60 mm). The median time of the procedure was 35 minutes (25-45 minutes). There were four complications, two hemorrhages and two perforations. The median follow-up was 13 months (range: 12-82 months). Clinical improvements were observed for all symptoms and were maintained 12 months after treatment (p < 0.05). There was no relapse during follow-up in 13 patients. A complete section was not achieved and clinical relapse occurred after a median time of seven months that required retreatment in the remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS: ESCM with LigaSure® may be a safe and effective technique in long-term follow-up situations, with low rates of relapse.

Modified approach for pediatric external cricopharyngeal myotomy.

Pediatric cricopharyngeal achalasia is an uncommon but important cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Failure of upper esophageal sphincter relaxation is the currently understood pathophysiology. Therapies include balloon dilation, botulinum toxin injection, and endoscopic or open cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM). Open CPM is usually performed at the posterior midline of the cricopharyngeus and can be a risky procedure given concern for esophageal perforation and damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Here, we present a novel modified technique for open CPM using a superficial anterolateral transection approach in the case of a young male with refractory cricopharyngeal achalasia.

Results of surgical treatment of cervical esophageal diverticula.

On the basis of 20 years' experience, the authors present the immediate and long-term results of operative treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Comparison of two methods of surgery - diverticulopexia (in 21 patients) and excision (in 16), both associated with upper esophageal sphincter myotomy - shows good immediate and longterm results (from 1 to 19 years), with disappearance of symptoms (dysphagia) in all patients. There was no perioperative mortality. Postoperative complications were most commonly of pulmonary origin and were observed in a third of patients in both groups. In two patients from the group treated with excision, a leak from the suture line occurred, which healed spontaneously. These two patients had transient dysphagia in the postoperative period. On the basis of this analysis, the authors conclude that diverticulopexia is a safer surgical procedure than excision, giving less complications and a very good long-term functional result.

Endoscopic surgical technique for benign fibrotic strictures of the upper esophageal sphincter.

A 43-year-old man with complaints of increased difficulty swallowing and weight loss underwent videofluorographic examination of swallowing, which revealed severely reduced cricopharyngeal opening. Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy was carried out using a modified technique (mECPM). A benign fibrotic stricture of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) was identified under visualization of a distending operating laryngoscope. A vertical midline incision in the strictured mucosa and submucosal resection of the cricopharyngeal muscle were done using a CO2 laser. The initial vertical mucosal incision was tightly sutured in the horizontal direction with absorbable surgical sutures. Histopathological examination of the cricopharyngeal muscle revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells. The patient started oral intake on postoperative day 7. He has been symptom free for 2 years with an improved body mass index, and postoperative laryngoscopy revealed no salivary retention in the piriform sinuses. The technique presented here provides sufficient opening of the UES by eliminating the problem of restenosis. mECPM will be useful for treating benign fibrotic strictures of the UES.