Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction: Patient Characteristics and Outcomes in Australia

Objective Retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD) is characterised by an inability to burp. Typical first‐line management involves injection of Botulinum A toxin (BonT‐A) into the cricopharyngeus. We present our series of 109 RCPD patients. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2018 and November 2024. Demographics and clinical data were extracted. From late 2021 onwards, we also started collecting scores from a 7‐point Likert questionnaire based on the six cardinal symptoms of RCPD (RCPD‐Q in short). Results A109 patients were identified. Sixty‐two (56.9%) were female. Mean age was 30.0 (range: 14–72). The majority (91.7%) were of Caucasian ethnicity. Eighty patients completed the RCPD‐Q at their initial consultation, with a mean score of 27.6/36 (range: 13–36). Seventy‐four patients underwent initial treatment. At first follow‐up within 4 weeks, 53 patients (71.6%) had complete resolution, 11 (14.9%) had partial resolution and seven (9.5%) had no change in symptoms. In the 30 patients who completed follow‐up at > 3 months after treatment, 17 patients (56.7%) reported complete resolution, three patients (10%) reported partial resolution and 10 patients (33.3%) reported no resolution or reversion to baseline symptoms. Conclusion Younger age, treatment under general anaesthesia, and higher doses of BonT‐A were associated with higher rates of success. Level of Evidence Level 3.