Transpharyngeal approach for the treatment of dysphagia due to Forestier'sdisease

Forestier's disease (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) is character ized by extensive spinal osteophyte formation and endo-chondral ossificatio n of paravertebral ligaments and muscles; Dysphagia in the setting of Fores tier's disease is a rare and hence often unrecognized entity. The dysphagia is due to mechanical obstruction in the initial stages and later due to in flammation and fibrosis. Most of these patients are treated conservatively in the initial stages and later by excision of osteophytes through a latera l cervical approach. We present a case of dysphagia due to cervical osteoph ytes in the setting of Forestier's disease causing narrowing of the pharynx . The patient was treated surgically via a peroral-transpharyngeal route wi th excellent results.