Endoscopic-guided injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeus muscle: our experience. Issue 10 (8th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, S D; Kumar, G; Eweiss, A; Chatrath, P; Kaddour, H
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 129:Issue 10(2015)
• Page Start: 990
• Page End: 995
• Publication Date: 2015-10-08
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215115002327
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="sec_a1"> <title>Objective:</title> <p>To assess the efficacy of endoscopic-guided botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle and evaluate the duration of its effects.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec_a2"> <title>Methods:</title> <p>A 3-year prospective study of 12 patients undergoing injection of botulinum toxin was conducted, with a telephone survey to assess dysphagia pre-operatively, and at 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment, using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec_a3"> <title>Results:</title> <p>Median age was 66.2 years. Causes of cricopharyngeal dysphagia included idiopathic cricopharyngeal hypertrophy (67 per cent), previous cerebrovascular accident (17 per cent), cranial nerve palsy (8 per cent) and previous chemoradiotherapy to the neck (8 per cent). There were no complications. Two patients had repeat injections after six months. There was significant improvement in MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory scores at one and three months versus pre-operative scores (73.1 ± 14.9 <italic>vs</italic> 46.9 ± 7.6, <italic>p</italic> = 0.0001, and 65.1 ± 11.5 <italic>vs</italic> 46.9 ± 7.6, <italic>p</italic> = 0.0001), but not at six months (51.0 ± 11.0 <italic>vs</italic> 46.9 ± 7.6, <italic>p</italic> = 0.14).</p> </sec> <sec id="sec_a4"> <title>Conclusion:</title> <p>Endoscopic-guided injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeus muscle is a safe and effective method for treating cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction, lasting up to six months.</p> </sec> </abstract>