• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.261-263
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• 2014

A 10-year-old castrated male papillon presented with nasal discharge, coughing and chronic dysphagia. On physical examination, the dog exhibited sneezing, gurgling and movement of the throat with repeated attempts to swallow fluids. A diagnosis of cricopharyngeal achalasia (CPA) was made based on video fluoroscopic demonstration of failure of relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter. This report describes the diagnosis of CPA in an old dog, which is rarely diagnosed in older animals.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.52-55
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• 2011

Hyperfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) can cause severe dysphagia. This condition referred as cricopharyngeal dysphagia may occur after head and neck surgery due to altered muscle spasm and stenosis of the pharyngo-esophageal segment. Among various treatment options available, Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injection offers a nonsurgical treatment which is useful especially for debilitated patients, and there has been a recent increase in the clinical use of Botox by otolaryngologists for managing such conditions. A 55-year-old male with base of tongue (BOT) cancer suffered from severe dysphagia after total glossectomy and neck dissection treatment. Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) showed inability to pass food through the UES due to cricopharyngeal spasm. After injection of 10 U of Bot ox into each cricopharyngeus muscles (total 20 U) via EMG-guided percutaneous injection, swallowing function had improved and oral nutrition was possible, with food passing through the UES visualized on VFSS and FEES.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.400-404
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• 2006

This study examined the effect of Gamma-Amino butyric acid (GABA) and selective GABA receptor related drugs on the electrically stimulated relaxation in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES) of a cat. Tetrodotoxin $(10^{-6}\;M)$ suppressed the electrically stimulated (0.5-5 Hz) relaxation of the LES. However, guanethidine $(10^{-6}\;M)$ and atropine $(10^{-6}\;M)$ had no effect indicating that the relaxations were neurally mediated via the nonadrenergic and noncholinergic (NANC) pathways. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester ($10^{-4}M$, L-NAME) also inhibited the relaxant response but did not completely abolish the electrically stimulated relaxation with 60% inhibition, which suggests the involvement of nitric oxide as an inhibitory transmitter. This study examined the role of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, on neurally mediated LES relaxation. GABA ($10^{-3}-10^{-5}M$, non selective receptor agonist), muscimol ($10^{-3}-10^{-5}M$, GABA-A agonist), and baclofen ($10^{-3}-10^{-5}M$, GABA-B agonist) had no significant effect on the electrically stimulated relaxation. Moreover, bicuculline ($10^{-5}M$, GABA-A antagonist) and phaclofen ($10^{-5}M$, GABA-B antagonist) had no inhibitory effect on the electrically stimulated relaxation. This suggests that GABA and the GABA receptor are not involved in the electrically stimulated NANC relaxation in the cat LES.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.137-144
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• 2024

Purpose: Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) is a viable choice for treating proximal gastric lesions. However, the occurrence of severe reflux has limited its widespread adoption. To address this issue, the double flap technique (DFT), which incorporates artificial lower esophageal sphincteroplasty, has been developed to prevent reflux problems after proximal gastrectomy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the usefulness of this technique using high-resolution manometry (HRM), impedance pH monitoring, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Materials and Methods: The findings of pre- and postoperative 6-month HRM, pH monitoring, and EGD were compared for 9 patients who underwent LPG with DFT for various proximal gastric lesions at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital from January 2021 to December. Results: A total of 9 patients underwent proximal gastrectomy. Approximately half of the patients had Hill's grade under II preoperatively, whereas all patients had Hill's grades I and II in EGD findings. In the HRM test, there was no significant difference between distal contractile integral (1,412.46±1,168.51 vs. 852.66±495.62 mmHg·cm·s, P=0.087) and integrated relaxation pressure (12.54±8.97 vs. 8.33±11.30 mmHg, P=0.27). The average lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was 29.19±14.51 mmHg preoperatively, which did not differ from 19.97±18.03 mmHg after the surgery (P=0.17). DeMeester score (7.02±6.36 vs. 21.92±36.17, P=0.21) and total acid exposure time (1.49±1.48 vs. 5.61±10.17, P=0.24) were slightly higher, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: There is no significant functional difference in HRM and impedance pH monitoring tests after DFT. DFT appears to be useful in preserving LES function following proximal gastrectomy.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.9-16
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• 2007

Cricopharyngeal dysphagia(CPD), a common condition in the dysphagic patient, refers to the dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter complex(UESC), which is composed of the cricopharyngeus, inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the upper segment of the cervical esophagus. Primary CPD is the disease entity solely confined to dysfunctional UESC, while secondary CPD encompasses various conditions that accompany UESC dysfunction. For proper diagnosis and treatment of such entity, a thorough understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology of the upper esophageal sphincter. Adequate relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle in conjunction with anterosuperior excursion of the larynx by suprahyoid muscles and propulsion of food bolus are prerequisite for normal swallow, mechanisms of which if altered result in cricopharyngeal dysfunction. Of the various methods used for the diagnosis of cricopharyngeal dysphagia, videofluoroscopy remains the method of choice. Mechanical dilatation of the cricopharayngeus, cricopharyngeal myotomy and botulinum toxin injection and head-lift exercise have been used in clinical practice to relieve dysphagia in such patients. Such procedures have therapeutic effect in primary CPD, but so often fail to relieve swallowing dysfunction in patient with secondary CPD. We herein explain ancillary procedures that support these primary treatment options, which lead to successful treatment of dysphagia.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.470-474
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• 1980

Achalasia is a neurogenic esophageal disorder, characterized by incomplete relaxation of the gastroesophageal sphincter in response to deglutition and absence of peristalsis from the body of the esophaugs. Because there is no known method by which esophageal peristalsis can be restored, therapy is directed toward the relief of dital esophageal obstruction. During the period of June 1965 to September 1980, 13 cases of achalasia were operated at the Department of Thoracic SUrgery, Seoul Natonal University Hospital. 1. Among 13 cases, 5 were male and 8 were female. 2. Esophagomyotomy was performed in 12 cases, and 1 case was treated with transverse suture of lower esophagus after longitudinal incision. 3. There was no operative mortality, but 2 cases subsequently underwent esophagogastrostomy after esophagomyotomy. 4. One of 13 cases was combined with mongolism.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1997.11a
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• pp.41-46
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• 1997

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is characterized by the ability to maintain a sustained pressure, and to relax allowing the passage of a bolus, whereas the esophagus is normally relaxed and contracts only briefly when required to produce peristalsis (fig. 1). The neuromuscular mechanisms that participate in the physiological regulation of these functions are not well understood, but it is thought that LES tone is spontaneous and regulated mostly through myogenic mechanisms, whereas LES relaxation and esophageal contraction are induced by neural mechanisms. Gastroesophageal reflux represents the effortless movement of gastric contents from stomach to esophagus. Because this phenomenon occurs in virtually everyone multiple times every day and in the majority of people without clinical consequences, the reflux per se is not disease. However in some cases, it can be pathologic, producing symptoms and signs called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which mechanism is not well known. It may result in heart burn, chronic esophagitis, aspiration pneumonia, esophageal strictures, and Barrett's esophagus.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.371-374
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• 2006

A 4-month-old, intact male, Tosa with a history of a regurgitation, vomiting, and weight loss for three weeks was presented to Animal Medical Center, Chonbuk National University. In Serial plain radiographs, a severely distended stomach was seen and ultrasonogram revealed a nonfunctional pylorus with normal layer comparable with an obstruction of pyloric region by pyloric achalasia. An esophagram and endoscopy revealed normal peristalsis with failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to open, supporting the diagnosis of esophageal achalasia. Megaesophagus was observed on reradiograph and esophagram 11 days later. The clinical signs and esophageal dilation were resolved without resorting to any treatment.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.59-62
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• 2014

A 12-year-old, castrated male Yorkshire terrier dog presented with frequent regurgitations that had begun 45 days earlier and become more progressive. Radiographs revealed an air-trap region behind the cranial esophageal sphincter muscle in the esophagus and esophagographies with barium contrast showed mild esophageal dilation with decreased motility. Esophageal motility increased within 5 min of neostigmine methylsulfate administration and acetylcholine receptor antibodies titer increased to beyond the normal range. Based on these findings, acquired myasthenia gravis with focal form was diagnosed, making this the first such case diagnosed by an acetylcholine receptor antibody test in Korea.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.432-435
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• 1998

Idiopathic cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare condition that produces oropharyngeal dysphagia. It is caused by spasm of the cricopharyngeus and inability to relax with swallowing. A prominent muscle bar at the upper esophageal sphincter is a typical finding of the esophagogram. Cricopharyngeal myotomy is the treatment of choice. We report a case of cricopharyngeal myotomy for 61-year-old female patient.