title: Retrograde balloon dilation of complete cervical esophageal and hypopharyngeal strictures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate and describe retrograde endoscopic dilation of 100% strictures of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Lance E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Oxford
authors.forename: Yadranko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ducic
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000473:pathology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014067:Tonsillar Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery