What is Cricopharyngeal myotomy surgery?

What is Cricopharyngeal myotomy surgery?

Cricopharyngeal myotomy surgery is a procedure in which a surgical cut is made to divide the cricopharyngeal muscle. The junction between the throat (pharynx) and the upper part of the food pipe (esophagus) is guarded by a muscular ring (upper esophageal sphincter or UES).

How do you fix a cricopharyngeal bar?

Treatment and prognosis In selected patients with no other cause for dysphagia demonstrated, cricopharyngeal bars can be treated with a myotomy, esophageal dilatation and/or botulinum toxin injection 5,6.

What is UES dysfunction?

Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction refers to an impaired opening of the cricopharyngeal segment, which is also called the pharyngoesophageal segment (PE). This is a 1–2 cm region where the UES is located.

How long does a Cricopharyngeal Myotomy take?

If you are experiencing dysphagia (difficulty with swallowing), cricopharyngeal myotomy can help relieve your symptoms. This surgical procedure can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes of general anesthesia and most often does not require postoperative hospitalization.

How do you relax the Cricopharyngeal muscle?

Options of home treatments for cricopharyngeal spasms include:

1. relaxation techniques, including controlled breathing, meditation, guided thought, and visualization.
2. over-the-counter muscle relaxants.
3. heated bags or pads, as well as warm drinks or foods.
4. eating and drinking foods, slowly, to prolong the absence of symptoms.

What level is cricopharyngeus?

How is cricopharyngeal bar diagnosed? Diagnosis of the CP bar is made with fluoroscopic swallow study of the pharynx and proximal esophagus, typically in the lateral view. The bar appears as an indentation on the barium column at the posterior aspect of the esophagus between the C3 and C6 vertebral levels (see figure).

What causes UES dysfunction?

Impaired opening of the UES can result from cricopharyngeal fibrosis, disordered neurally-mediated opening, suboptimal pharyngeal driving force, or a combination of these factors.

Can cricopharyngeal dysfunction resolve on its own?

Takeaway. Cricopharyngeal spasms tend to resolve on their own or with stress and anxiety management. The condition tends to last a few days, weeks, or months, often depending on how a person responds to the spasms and their level of engagement with management techniques.

Who performs a Cricopharyngeal Myotomy?

Rated among the best in the nation for Ear, Nose and Throat by U.S.News & World Report, otolaryngologists at Jefferson can perform this procedure to restore the quality of your life.

What does myotomy mean?

The myotomy includes cutting of the muscular layer of the lower part of the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach to completely open the lower esophageal sphincter and relieve dysphagia.

Does Cricopharyngeal spasm go away?

According to Laryngopedia, the symptoms of cricopharyngeal spasm tend to resolve on their own after around three weeks. In some cases, symptoms can last longer. You may need to see your doctor to rule out other possible causes of throat spasm to make sure you don’t have a more serious condition.