Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

4-10-2013

Abstract

Objectives: Neuropathic cough that is incompletely responsive to medical therapy may be due to cricopharyngeal hypertonicity. The objective was to describe the utility of cricopharyngeal myotomy in alleviating symptoms of intractable neuropathic cough.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for three patients who underwent cricopharyngeal myotomy for intractable cough. Trigger phenomena, previous evaluation and treatment, and outcomes after surgery, namely patient perception of improvement and medication use after surgery, were assessed and documented.

Results: After cricopharyngeal myotomy, all three patients noted symptomatic improvement and were weaned off medication. Continued improvement was noted at follow up, with a mean length of 22 months (range: 7-36 months).

Conclusions: Cricopharyngeal myotomy may be an alternative treatment for chronic cough in patients for whom workup is negative and medical management, dilation, and botulinum toxin have failed to provide long-term relief.

Poster presented at CSOM: Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting in Orlando Florida, April 10-14, 2013.

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