The following discussion of upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction includes commentaries on the role of the cricopharyngeus muscle in reflux disease; the etiology and treatment of Zenker diverticulum; the use of videofluoroscopy in patients with dysphagia, suspicion of aspiration, or globus; the role of pH-impedance monitoring in globus evaluation; and treatment for reflux-associated globus.
Keywords: GERD; UES; Zenker diverticulum; cricopharyngeus; impedance-pH; videofluoroscopy.
© 2013 New York Academy of Sciences.