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Swallowing Disorder Procedures

Cricopharyngeal Myotomy in Chennai — Surgery for Upper Sphincter Dysfunction

Experienced swallowing team • Endoscopic or open approach • Integrated swallowing therapy

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Swallowing team reviewing a videofluoroscopic swallow study at THANC Hospital, Chennai
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Cricopharyngeal dysfunction is one of the few swallowing problems with a definitive surgical fix — but only when it is the true cause. This page explains how THANC uses FEES and videofluoroscopy to confirm the diagnosis before surgery.

About Cricopharyngeal Myotomy at THANC

Cricopharyngeal myotomy relieves dysphagia caused by a tight or dysfunctional cricopharyngeus muscle at the top of the oesophagus. At THANC, our laryngology and swallowing team performs endoscopic and open myotomy — including surgery for Zenker's diverticulum — after detailed functional assessment with FEES and videofluoroscopy. A structured swallowing therapy pathway before and after surgery protects the result and supports a safer, more comfortable swallow.

Who Needs Cricopharyngeal Myotomy?

You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:

  • Dysphagia with a confirmed cricopharyngeal bar on imaging
  • Zenker's diverticulum causing food regurgitation and chronic cough
  • Failure of dilatation or repeated dilatations for cricopharyngeal dysfunction
  • Post-stroke or post-radiation cricopharyngeal spasm with aspiration risk
  • Persistent globus and food sticking related to upper sphincter dysfunction
  • Selected neuromuscular swallowing disorders with upper sphincter involvement

What to Expect

A clear step-by-step view of your treatment journey at THANC.

  1. 1

    Swallowing Assessment

    Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and videofluoroscopic swallow study confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of dysphagia. Manometry is added when the clinical picture is complex.

  2. 2

    The Procedure

    Performed under general anaesthesia. Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy is done through the mouth using stapler or laser techniques where suitable. Open myotomy through a small neck incision is used for selected cases, including larger Zenker's diverticula.

  3. 3

    Hospital Stay & Diet Progression

    A short hospital stay covers airway, pain and swallowing checks. Fluids and a soft diet are started in a structured way once swallowing safety is confirmed, and diet is gradually advanced.

  4. 4

    Swallowing Therapy & Review

    A swallowing therapist guides safe swallow techniques and posture after surgery. A follow-up swallow study documents the functional improvement and supports long-term safe eating.

Swallowing Care That Understands Your Life

Dysphagia is rarely just a physical problem — it affects nutrition, confidence, and family life. THANC's swallowing disorders clinic combines ENT, gastroenterology, and rehabilitation therapists to find the least-invasive plan that restores safe eating.

  • Joint ENT + GI evaluation for adult swallowing concerns
  • Videofluoroscopy and FEES swallowing assessments in-house
  • Rehabilitation therapists for graded swallow retraining
  • Endoscopic and surgical options for cricopharyngeal dysfunction
  • Nutrition counselling integrated into recovery plans
  • Personalised estimate after a clear diagnostic workup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cricopharyngeal dysfunction?
The cricopharyngeus is a muscle at the top of the oesophagus that relaxes during swallowing. When it fails to relax properly, food sticks in the throat, regurgitation can occur, and chronic cough or aspiration may develop. Myotomy releases the tight muscle.
Is Zenker's diverticulum treated the same way?
Zenker's diverticulum is a pouch that forms because of cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Treatment involves myotomy of the cricopharyngeus together with managing the pouch, either endoscopically or through an open approach depending on size and anatomy.
Will I be able to eat normally after surgery?
Most patients experience a clear improvement in swallowing, with less food sticking and fewer regurgitation episodes. Diet is progressed gradually under the guidance of the swallowing team to protect the healing sphincter and prevent aspiration.
How long is the hospital stay?
Endoscopic myotomy usually involves a short stay — often 1 to 2 nights — depending on how quickly swallowing can be safely restarted. Open myotomy may require a slightly longer stay based on the surgical approach and patient progress.
Will THANC provide a personalised estimate for cricopharyngeal myotomy?
Yes. After a full swallowing assessment, our team shares a written, case-specific estimate covering the surgical approach and structured swallowing therapy. THANC's rates are consistently lower than prevailing market rates in Chennai.

Related Reading

Patient guides and educational articles on related topics.

Dysphagia — causes of swallowing difficulty and modern treatment

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Cricopharyngeal Myotomy at THANC

  • Joint ENT + GI evaluation for adult swallowing concerns
  • Videofluoroscopy and FEES swallowing assessments in-house
  • Rehabilitation therapists for graded swallow retraining
  • Endoscopic and surgical options for cricopharyngeal dysfunction
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