To the Editor:—
In reference to the letter which described pyriform sinusotomy, John A. Ritter, MD, (207:367, 1969) has described a very simple operation which has proven of tremendous value in the management of patients with carcinoma of the head and neck in their early postoperative phase. In addition, we have found it extremely useful in the long-term management with patients with stroke and any other disabling diseases that preclude insufficient oral intake.Our technique which is essentially that described by Dr. Ritter, was first described in Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics (125:127, 1967) and subsequently published in the American Journal of Surgery in October 1968. Others who have described similar techniques include Ketcham and Smith (Amer J Surg104:682, 1962), C. T. Klopp (J Cardiovasc Res21:490, 1951), Shumrick (Arch Surg94:277, 1967), Weir et al (Ann Surg165:142, 1967), and Woodburn and his co-workers