Abstract
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
BACKGROUND: The entrance of the esophagus has to be identified for treatment of a pharyngo-esophageal obstruction. If transoropharyngeal identification is unsuccessful, a retrograde approach might be indicated. METHODS: By way of a mini-laparotomy and gastrotomy, a flexible gastroscope can be passed into the esophagus. In one patient with a Zenker's diverticulum, a guidewire was inserted through the accessory channel of the gastroscope and passed through a stenosis, caused by marked hypertrophy of the cricopharyngeal muscle, into the oral cavity. Thereafter antegrade dilatation and laser assisted myotomy could be performed. In another patient with a membranous obstruction of the esophageal entrance due to radiotherapy, the occlusion was perforated transoropharyngeally and bluntly dilatated guided by the light from the gastroscope. RESULTS: In both cases the esophageal passage was restored. No complications occurred as a result of the procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The retrograde approach may be a good alternative when antegrade identification of the esophageal entrance fails.
BACKGROUND: The entrance of the esophagus has to be identified for treatment of a pharyngo-esophageal obstruction. If transoropharyngeal identification is unsuccessful, a retrograde approach might be indicated. METHODS: By way of a mini-laparotomy and gastrotomy, a flexible gastroscope can be passed into the esophagus. In one patient with a Zenker's diverticulum, a guidewire was inserted through the accessory channel of the gastroscope and passed through a stenosis, caused by marked hypertrophy of the cricopharyngeal muscle, into the oral cavity. Thereafter antegrade dilatation and laser assisted myotomy could be performed. In another patient with a membranous obstruction of the esophageal entrance due to radiotherapy, the occlusion was perforated transoropharyngeally and bluntly dilatated guided by the light from the gastroscope. RESULTS: In both cases the esophageal passage was restored. No complications occurred as a result of the procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The retrograde approach may be a good alternative when antegrade identification of the esophageal entrance fails.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 296-299 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Gastrointestinal Endoscopy |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1998 |