title: The upper esophageal sphincter is not round: a pilot study evaluating a novel, physiology-based approach to upper esophageal sphincter dilation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Recent basic science investigations have suggested that the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), in cross section, is not round, but that it more closely approximates a kidney shape. Dilation with simultaneous use of two cylindrical dilators provides a novel, physiology-based approach to UES distention. We evaluated the initial safety and efficacy of UES dilation with simultaneous use of two controlled radial expansion balloon dilators.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a computerized database, we reviewed the charts of all persons who underwent UES dilation with simultaneous use of two radial expansion balloon dilators between December 1, 2011, and March 15, 2012. Information regarding patient demographics, indications, technique, and complications was abstracted. Self-reported swallowing impairment was assessed with the validated 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten individuals underwent simultaneous dilation with two dilators. Their mean age was 65 years (SD, 14 years), and 7 (70%) of them were male. The indications for dilation were radiation-induced UES stenosis (50%), cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (30%), upper esophageal web (10%), and anastomotic stricture (10%). After the double-balloon dilation, no complications were reported. The mean EAT-10 score improved significantly, from 34.3 (SD, 13.5) to 16.7 (SD, 8.4), after the simultaneous dilation (p = 0.003).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pilot data suggest that simultaneous dilation of the UES with two controlled radial expansion balloon dilators is feasible, safe, and effective. Future investigation is necessary to confirm the safety of this technique in a larger cohort and to use objective measures of efficacy to compare the technique to conventional dilation with a single dilator.
authors.affiliation: Center for Voice and Swallowing, Dept of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 2521 Stockton Blvd, Suite 7200, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Belafsky
authors.forename: Emily K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Plowman
authors.forename: Omid
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mehdizadeh
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cates
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Domer
authors.forename: Kaicheng
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D004106:Dilatation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D049631:Esophageal Sphincter, Upper / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010609:Pharyngeal Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies