title: Postlaryngectomy dysphagia masking as velopharyngeal insufficiency: a simple solution for an anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum.
abstract: Postlaryngectomy dysphagia is a common occurrence and can be a source of emotional distress that results in a decrease in quality of life among a patient population that is already exposed to considerable morbidity. One etiologic source that is less commonly reported as a source for postlaryngectomy dysphagia, and perhaps overlooked, is an anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum. Herein, we describe a postlaryngectomy dysphagia caused by a neopharyngeal diverticulum masking as velopharyngeal insufficiency of liquids. The liquid dysphagia was immediately relieved via transoral endoscopic approach using the Harmonic scalpel to resect and simultaneously coagulate the posterior wall.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. jaberjj@upmc.edu
authors: James J
authors: JJ
authors: Jaber
authors: Evan S
authors: ES
authors: Greenbaum
authors: Joshua M
authors: JM
authors: Sappington
authors: Ryan C
authors: RC
authors: Burgette
authors: Sarah S
authors: SS
authors: Kramer
authors: Richard W
authors: RW
authors: Borrowdale
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000601:surgery*