Combined retrograde and anterograde hypopharyngeal puncture and dilatation in a child with complete hypopharyngeal stenosis

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2007 Jan;71(1):153-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2006.07.023. Epub 2006 Nov 1.

Abstract

The management of complete hypopharyngeal stenosis is a complex task, and various methods of re-creating a lumen and maintaining its patency have been described in both the adult and pediatric literature. We present our experience using a modification of the combined anterograde-retrograde endoscopic technique for managing a 15-year-old child who developed complete hypopharyngeal and upper esophageal obliteration following successful treatment of a parapharyngeal rhabdomyosarcoma. During an 18-month period following initial cannulation of the aerodigestive tract, we performed 17 dilatations using a double-balloon technique that combined anterograde and retrograde approaches to the stenosis. Initially, Kenalog injections and topical Mitomycin-C were used as adjunctive treatments. We observed no major complications following dilatations. At 33 months follow-up the patient was asymptomatic, tolerating a near normal diet, had not required dilation for more than 18 months, and no longer required a gastrostomy tube.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adolescent
  • Alkylating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Catheterization / methods*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Constriction, Pathologic / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypopharynx*
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Male
  • Mitomycin / therapeutic use
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / complications
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / etiology
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / therapy*
  • Punctures*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / complications
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Alkylating Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Mitomycin
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide