Botulinum toxin injection for retrograde cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction syndrome

Retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD) syndrome renders patients unable to belch, causing disabling symptoms that impact quality of life. Injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeal muscle has been reported as a trial treatment for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. We describe the injection technique, under general anesthesia using endoscopy or by transcutaneous injection with electromyographic control.