Cricopharyngeal Myotomy in a Pediatric Patient

Cricopharyngeal myotomy performed on a pediatric patient who had cricopharyngeal bar leading to dysphagia to solids. An open approach was taken in this patient rather than endoscopic due to the size of their airway. Upon opening of the anterior neck, subplatysmal flaps were elevated superiorly and inferiorly, then strap muscles were divided. The cricoid and thyroid cartilages were exposed which allowed for identification of associated muscles. The cricopharyngeus muscle was divided bilaterally to prevent recurrence of the bar. The straps were then reapproximated and the neck was closed in a layered fashion.