Anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum following laryngectomy

While less common than stricture, recurrent neoplasm, and neuromuscular dysfunction, neopharyngeal diverticulum must be considered in the differential diagnosis of postlaryngectomy dysphagia. Symptoms of difficulty clearing the neopharynx during and after a swallow, with regurgitation of undigested material, should alert the clinician to this possibility. Experience with 3 postlaryngectomy patients with anterior neopharyngeal divericulae serve as the springboard for discussion of the clinical spectrum, radiologic features, contributory pathophysiologic factors, and therapeutic options concerning this condition. Surgical indications, approaches, and potential hazards are reviewed.