|
Cricopharyngeal dysphagia(CPD), a common condition in the dysphagic patient, refers to the dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter complex(UESC), which is composed of the cricopharyngeus, inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the upper segment of the cervical esophagus. Primary CPD is the disease entity solely confined to dysfunctional UESC, while secondary CPD encompasses various conditions that accompany UESC dysfunction. For proper diagnosis and treatment of such entity, a thorough understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology of the upper esophageal sphincter. Adequate relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle in conjunction with anterosuperior excursion of the larynx by suprahyoid muscles and propulsion of food bolus are prerequisite for normal swallow, mechanisms of which if altered result in cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Of the various methods used for the diagnosis of cricopharyngeal dysphagia, videofluoroscopy remains the method of choice. Mechanical dilatation of the cricopharayngeus, cricopharyngeal myotomy and botulinum toxin injection and head-lift exercise have been used in clinical practice to relieve dysphagia in such patients. Such procedures have therapeutic effect in primary CPD, but so often fail to relieve swallowing dysfunction in patient with secondary CPD. We herein explain ancillary procedures that support these primary treatment options, which lead to successful treatment of dysphagia.
|