Go Big or Go Home? Optimizing Upper Esophageal Balloon Dilation for Dysphagia Treatment

Saturday, October 17, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PT

Location: 515A

Moderator(s)

NZ

Nina W. Zhao, MD, MAEd

Assistant Professor, Associate Residency Program Director
University Hospitals Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States

Panelist(s)

Clark A. Rosen, MD

Professor
UCSF Voice & Swallowing Center
San Francisco, California, United States
MK

Maggie A. Kuhn, MD MAS

Professor
University of California Davis
Sacramento, California, United States
MA

Milan R. Amin, MD

Professor
New York University
New York, New York, United States

This interactive, case-based panel will provide practical guidance on balloon dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) for dysphagia management. Panelists will review commonly used dilation techniques, including standard and larger-diameter UES balloon approaches, and discuss technical considerations that influence safety, effectiveness, and patient selection. Through real-world cases, attendees will explore decision-making around technique choice, procedural setting (office versus operating room), and when alternative treatments may be more appropriate. Emphasis will be placed on practical pearls and pitfalls applicable to general otolaryngology practice.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss indications for balloon dilation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) in the management of dysphagia.
Describe standard and larger-diameter UES balloon dilation techniques, including key technical considerations that influence safety and effectiveness.
Identify clinical scenarios in which UES balloon dilation may be appropriate or not, including considerations for office-based versus operative settings.