title: Diagnosis and management of cricopharyngeal achalasia and other upper esophageal sphincter opening disorders.
abstract: Recent literature on disorders of the upper esophageal sphincter is reviewed, including discussion of advances in measurement, diagnosis, treatment, and management. The etiology of upper esophageal sphincter disorders is summarized, along with its pathophysiology, with reference to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Medical and surgical options for improving pharyngeal clearance and minimizing aspiration are also discussed, as is the use of percutaneous esophageal gastrostomy feeding tubes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, University of New South Wales, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia. I.Cook@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Cook
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D005774:Gastrostomy; D006801:Humans