Background: Complete hypopharyngo-oesophageal occlusion is a rare complication of head and neck radiotherapy and a range of other conditions. Absolute dysphagia is accompanied by aspiration and dependence on gastrostomy feeding. The condition presents a substantial management challenge. Surgical approaches to re-establish pharyngo-oesophageal continuity are varied, highly invasive and are associated with unpredictable outcomes. Minimally invasive techniques employing endoscopic and radiological techniques are emerging. This report describes a multidisciplinary approach which translates two interventional radiology techniques used in the management of central venous occlusions and biliary strictures to the management of three cases of complete hypopharyngo-oesophageal occlusion. Methods: Three cases with different underlying aetiologies had treatment initiated between 2009 and 2011. Antegrade pharyngoscopic access to the occlusions was accompanied by retrograde endoscopic access via a small gastrostomy. Luminal continuity was re-established by the interventional radiology technique of "sharp recanalisation" followed by passage of a wide bore nasogastric tube which was maintained in situ for 4-6 months, a duration of treatment analogous to that applied in the radiological management of fibrotic biliary strictures. After treatment a radiological contrast swallows examination was performed to gauge the calibre of the re-established lumen, assess functionality and to rule out aspiration. Results: Pharyngo-oesophageal continuity was re-established in all three cases on the first attempt. No complications occurred as a result of the procedures. In two cases, the excellent swallowing function was re-established, although one of these required prolonged post-treatment adjuvant interventions. In one case no swallowing function resulted, despite apparently successful re-establishment of luminal continuity. Conclusions: Complete fibrotic occlusion of the hypopharyngo-oesophageal lumen is rare and presents a substantial management challenge. A minimally invasive treatment combining antegrade radiological and retrograde endoscopic approaches resulted in successful re-establishment of luminal continuity in three cases of complete fibrotic occlusion of the hypopharyngo-oesophageal lumen. However variable responses to treatment suggest that both the underlying aetiology and the chronicity of the occlusion may influence the likelihood of a successful functional outcome. Until definitive management guidelines are established, we suggest that such cases are managed only by motivated multidisciplinary teams keen to develop their expertise in this area.
