Bilateral vocal fold paresis after endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy for Zenker's diverticulum.
BACKGROUND
Zenker's diverticulum may be treated with a variety of surgical techniques. Endoscopic methods, specifically endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy, have gained increasing acceptance because of shorter operative times, decreased morbidity, with shorter hospital stays and time to resumption of oral feedings.


RESULTS
We report the occurrence of bilateral vocal fold paresis after endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy for Zenker's diverticulum, previously unreported in the literature. This complication likely resulted from traction on the recurrent laryngeal nerves secondary to unfavorable patient anatomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy is a safe and effective treatment method for Zenker's diverticulum and remains our procedure of choice for most patients. However, inability to safely expose the diverticulum endoscopically results in a significant abandonment rate for attempted procedures and may result in significant postoperative complications.
Thorne
Marc
M
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan Health System, A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive Room 1904, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0312, USA.
Harris
Philip
P
Marcus
Keith
K
Teknos
Theodoros N
TN
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000601:surgery*