Long-term results of endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy for pharyngeal pouches.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term success of endoscopic stapling as a primary procedure for the treatment of pharyngeal pouches.


METHODS
This study is a retrospective case review of 25 patients with pharyngeal pouches treated by endoscopic stapling (23 stapled, 2 abandoned) over a 4-year period (1994 to 1998) at a University teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Outcome measures used were relief of symptoms over a long-term follow-up of 2 to 5 years.


RESULTS
Of the 25 patients analyzed, 12 patients (48%) have remained asymptomatic after their initial stapling. Eight patients (32%) were relieved of their symptoms after revision stapling. The overall long-term success rate for endoscopic stapling was 80% (20 of 25 patients)


CONCLUSIONS
Reduced morbidity and few complications in the elderly make endoscopic stapling a favored primary technique of treating pharyngeal pouches. Open surgery is recommended only in healthy patients with very large pouches.
Raut
Vivek V
VV
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital., Belfast, United Kingdom. rautvivek@hotmail.com
Primrose
William J
WJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003287:Contrast Media; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D018579:Patient Selection; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate