Partial epiglottectomy as a possible treatment for globus pharyngeus?

Globus pharyngeus is a relatively common complaint in an ear, nose, and thr oat consulting room and may account for 3-4% of outpatient referrals. The c ause is still unknown, although a number of hypotheses have been suggested. Between 40% and 75% of the patients remain symptomatic despite any treatme nt regimen. Thirteen patients from a group of 124 with the diagnosis of glo bus pharyngeus and no response to medical treatment were treated with parti al epiglottectomies. One year after the surgery all but one patient were fr ee of symptoms. Our experience indicates that partial epiglottectomy can be a good treatment for those patients with globus pharyngeus in whom no caus e is found after all studies are performed or when medical treatment fails.