Endoscopic stapling of pharyngeal pouches in patients from the Yorkshire region

The treatment of pharyngeal pouches by endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy has gained popularity over the last few years. We assessed the results of t his technique in 44 patients by means of a clinical questionnaire and by re viewing case records. Thirty-six (82 per cent) patients commenced oral inta ke within 18 hours of the procedure and 37 (84 per cent) patients were disc harged within 48 hours. Five patients had complications that included throa t discomfort, a loose incisor tooth, shoulder pain, pharyngeal perforation and one mortality due to mediastinitis. Of the 37 patients that completed t he questionnaire, nine (24 per cent) had some residual symptoms although on ly two (five per cent) felt that there had been no improvement at all follo wing the stapling procedure. Thirty-five (95 per cent) of the patients stat ed that they would undergo the procedure again. It appears that pharyngeal pouches can be successfully treated by endoscopic stapling, with patients c ommencing oral intake within a few hours of surgery and having a short hosp ital stay. However, as there can be serious complications, we recommend tha t the procedure be performed by an experienced surgeon.