Research recommendations coming out of this guidance Further research on endoscopic carbon dioxide laser cricopharyngeal myotomy for relief of oropharyngeal dysphagia could include the publication of collaborative audit data. Reports should separate outcomes for different groups of patients; in particular for patients with primary neuromuscular dysfunction alone, those with associated phargyngeal diverticula and those with dysphagia caused by radiotherapy. Outcome measures should include dysphagia scores, quality of life, long-term outcomes and the need for further treatment. All complications should be reported. NICE may update this guidance on publication of further evidence.
Further research on endoscopic carbon dioxide laser cricopharyngeal myotomy for relief of oropharyngeal dysphagia could include the publication of collaborative audit data. Reports should separate outcomes for different groups of patients; in particular for patients with primary neuromuscular dysfunction alone, those with associated phargyngeal diverticula and those with dysphagia caused by radiotherapy. Outcome measures should include dysphagia scores, quality of life, long-term outcomes and the need for further treatment. All complications should be reported. NICE may update this guidance on publication of further evidence.