Cricopharyngeal myotomy is a targeted surgical procedure to treat dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) caused by a tight or dysfunctional cricopharyngeus muscle at the top of the esophagus. This muscle should relax during swallowing, but in some people, it stays tight, leading to a feeling of food getting stuck, coughing, or regurgitation.

Under general anesthesia, the muscle is carefully cut, either through a small neck incision or endoscopically through the mouth. Surgical myotomy allows the upper esophagus to open more easily during swallowing. Most patients can eat more comfortably within a few days. A liquid or soft diet is usually recommended during the initial recovery phase. Risks include temporary throat soreness, aspiration, or scarring, but the procedure has a high success rate and significantly improves the quality of life for many patients.