A video-fluoroscopic study of patients treated by diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy

Although the short- and long-term results of surgical procedures for treatment of posterior pharyngeal diverticula are well documented, their effect on normal swallowing has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in swallowing that occur after diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy. Fifteen patients who underwent surgery in the previous 10 years were interviewed, examined and underwent a video-fluoroscopic barium swallow. Frame to frame analysis of the barium studies showed a multitude of abnormalities, even amongst those who were asymptomatic. Excision of a pharyngeal pouch does not appear to restore a normal swallowing mechanism.