Cricopharyngeal myotomy under regional anaesthesia

Abstract

A cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed under unilateral superficial cervical plexus, pharyngeal plexus and glossopharyngeal nerve blocks. This procedure has not previously been described as being performed under regional anaesthesia. To our knowledge, a pharyngeal plexus block has not previously been reported. Whilst the cricopharyngeal myotomy was successfully completed, problems did occur. Coughing and swallowing were disruptive to the deep surgical dissection. In addition, the patient experienced pain in the ear and jaw despite having no pain in the surgical wound itself.