Retrograde balloon dilation of complete cervical esophageal and hypopharyngeal strictures.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate and describe retrograde endoscopic dilation of 100% strictures of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx. METHODS AND MATERIALS All patients who presented to the senior author (Y.D.) from September 1997 to September 2003 with strictures of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Six patients with 100% strictures of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx were available for review. Eighty-three percent of these patients were successfully treated endoscopically with the outlined technique. All were able to handle their secretions successfully, and four were no longer dependent on a gastrostomy tube. CONCLUSIONS Retrograde dilation of complete strictures of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus appears to be safe, reliable, and associated with a high rate of ultimate success. It should be considered a first-line treatment prior to open approaches, which may be reserved for failures.