Endoscopic stapling of a pharyngeal pouch

Abstract

Pharyngeal pouch or Zenker's diverticulum presents to the otolaryngologist with symptoms of dysphagia. The condition is more frequently seen in Northern Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, than elsewhere in the world. Surgical management is the procedure of choice and is directed at the cricopharyngeus muscle by either an external or an internal approach. The endoscopic division of the pharyngeal pouch wall with a mechanical stapling device has become increasingly popular. Compared to open excision, the endoscopic technique offers reduced operative time, fewer complications, early resumption of oral intake with no naso-gastric tube, and a short inpatient stay. We report a series of 18 patients seen in the ENT department at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary from July 1999 to the present date. It is noted that the aetiology and natural history of the condition remains poorly understood.