[Rendezvous technique for complete hypopharyngeal stenosis. Indications and variations of combined endoscopy].
BACKGROUND
Hypopharyngeal stricture can result from a number of causes including chemoradiotherapy and esophagectomy and leads to inability to swallow with aspiration as well as permanent dependence on a gastrostomy tube. Antegrade dilatation or puncture and local mitomycin C application are often unsuccessful and many patients require extensive surgery.


METHODS
We report three cases of total hypopharyngeal stenosis with different clinical histories. We present our experience using three modifications of the combined anterograde-retrograde endoscopic technique with resection of the stenosis by laser technique under diaphanoscopic control.


RESULTS
In all cases the hypopharyngeal-esophageal passage was restored. No complications occurred as a result of the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined direct hypopharyngoscopy with retrograde esophagoscopy represents a viable alternative to more extensive approaches for recanalization of selected obstructing hypopharyngeal stenoses when antegrade identification of the esophageal entrance fails.
Pogorzelski
B
B
HNO-Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinik Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz.
Kiesslich
R
R
Mann
W
W
D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000601:surgery; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010611:Pharyngectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome