[Cricopharyngeal dysfunction]

Abstract

The idiopathic dysfunction of the cricopharyngeal muscle is a rare disease. Limited understanding of the pharyngoesophageal physiology and physiopathology make the management of this disease complex. We have studied three patients with idiopathic crycopharyngeal dysfunction submitted to cricomyotomy. One patient did not present improvement after surgery. The authors discuss the difficulties in making the diagnosis., the treatment and the selection of patients who will benefit from this surgical procedure.