Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy for management of cricopharyngeal achalasia (CA) in an 18–month–old child†‡

A 6–month–old patient presented with dysphagia and failure to thrive. Video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and manometry were diagnostic for CA. A gastrostomy tube was placed at 8 months. Botulinum toxin injection improved symptoms, but within 10 weeks symptoms returned. At 18 months, an uncomplicated endoscopic CPM was performed. A postoperative VFSS demonstrated cricopharyngeal bar resolution. Within 3 months, patient was feeding orally without a G tube. Pediatric CPA treatment options consist of dilation, botox, and transcervical CPM. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient treated with endoscopic CPM. Intraoperative video and photographs are presented. Laryngoscope, 2013