Comparison of the endoscopic stapling technique with more established procedures for pharyngeal pouches: results and patient satisfaction survey

Pharyngeal pouch surgery by the external approach has been shown to be effe ctive but has a relatively high complication rate. We compared the outcome of 17 patients who had cricopharyngeal myotomy alone or combined with excis ion/inversion/suspension, simple pouch excision and Dohlman's procedure wit h 17 patients who had the relatively new Endo GIA-30 endoscopic stapling te chnique. Results were obtained retrospectively by postal questionnaire and medical records. We conclude that endoscopic stapling shortens the return t o normal diet and in-patient stay. These patients also experience better sw allowing and are generally more satisfied with the procedure. We have accep ted endoscopic stapling as the method of choice for the treatment of pharyn geal pouches.