Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of catheter balloon dilatation therapy on cricopharyngeal achaiasia in patients with stroke and 1 year follow-up study. Methods 28 cases of dysphagia caused by stroke were diagnosed as cricopharyngeal achalasia through videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). A l4# urethral catheter was used to insert into the esophagus and an amount of water was injected into the balloon of urethral catheter to make it turgid. Then the catheter was pulled upwards and passed through the stricture of esophagus to dilatate the cricopharygeus muscle. At the same time, vitalstim low frequency electrical stimulation was used and combined with routine dysphagia rehabilitation training once daily. The treatment end point was either the patient resuming an oral diet or after 6 weeks of treatment. All cases were evaluated by swallowing function and VFSS before and after treatment and followed after 1 year of treatment. Results After catheter balloon dilatations therapy, 22 patients regained the ability to take solid food and water orally, 24 of them could take pasty food. There was significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment (P<0.01). The time of bolus passing the pharynx significantly shortened from 0.22 s to 0.14 s after treatment. The scores of VFSS significantly increased after treatment (P<0.01). VFSS showed that the total effective rate was 89.28%. 1 year after treatment, 23 patients could take solid food and water orally, and 12 patients approach to normal in the time passing the pharynx and VFSS score. Conclusion Catheter balloon dilatation has long-term effect on cricopharyngeal achalasia caused by stroke.

Key words: catheter balloon dilatation, stroke, cricopharyngeal achalasia, dysphagia, videofluoroseopie swaIlowing study, follow-up