Abstract
The balloon dilatation method for cricopharyngeal dysfunction became known to rehabilitation area in 1992, but the precise procedure, indication and outcome was not reported. As for balloon catheter treatment, 4 methods (a to d) were applied according to the conditions. We chose two type of balloon, a ball balloon and a cylinder balloon. a. Intermittent dilation method by ball balloon. b. Pull through method synchronized with swallowing by ball balloon. c. Ball balloon swallowing method. d. Continuous dilatation method by cilynder balloon. We treated 17 cricopharyngeal dysphagia patients using ballon cathrter methods. The cause of dysphagia was due to 13 brain stem infarction, 3 post operative subarachnoid hemorrhage, one cervical injury and two of other cause. 9 patients showed successful rehabititation using balloon methods and were able to eat oraly. 8 patients had a poor response and repuired operation. We used also balloon methods to post operative stricture of pharyngoesophageal segment and the results were good. Balloon methods were useful for acute stage cricopharyngeal dysphagia, but were also good for chronic stage.
