Pharyngeal diverticula.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Hypopharyngeal (Zenker's) diverticula are outpouchings in the pharynx.
• Treatment decisions involve balancing risks and benefits for each patient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report outcomes for 73 patients with hypopharyngeal diverticula.
• To discuss optimal treatment choices and surgical techniques for excision.

Main Methods:

• Review of 73 cases of hypopharyngeal diverticula.
• Analysis of surgical excision versus other treatment modalities.
• Evaluation of cricopharyngeal myotomy's role in reducing recurrence.

Main Results:

• Surgical excision is recommended for most hypopharyngeal diverticula.
• Cricopharyngeal myotomy may decrease recurrence rates.
• Electrocoagulation is associated with high failure and re-operation rates (20-13%).

Conclusions:

• Excision is the treatment of choice for hypopharyngeal diverticula, except for the smallest ones.
• Cricopharyngeal myotomy may improve outcomes by enhancing pharyngeal function.
• Electrocoagulation is not recommended due to poor efficacy and high complication rates.