USE OF SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE IN EXCISION OF PHARYNGEAL DIVERTICULUM

Pharyngeal diverticulum (Zenker's diverticulum, hypopharyngeal pouch) is an outpouching of pharyngeal mucosa through a triangular area of we akness between the lower oblique fibres of the inferior constrictor mu scle and cricopharyngeus called Killian's dehiscence. Prescribed treat ment in large pouches is excision of the diverticulum with or without cricopharyngeal myotomy. Experience of closure of the oesophageal defe ct with an automatic stapling device is presented in nine cases of pha ryngeal diverticula. Previous reports describing this technique have i ncluded substantial delays in the resumption of oral intake and prolon ged hospitalization. It is shown that these delays are unnecessary.