KTP laser endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy and pharyngeal pouch diverticulotomy: how I do it.

BACKGROUND

Various endoscopic methods of dividing the cricopharyngeus muscle and the common wall of pharyngeal pouches have been described, most commonly the carbon dioxide laser and stapler. The potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser is an alternate endoscopic method of treatment.

METHODS

The KTP laser is used in a similar fashion to the carbon dioxide laser to carefully divide the cricopharyngeus muscle fibres ± the common wall of the pharyngeal pouch, under microscopic visualization.

CONCLUSION

The KTP laser is an alternative and safe technique for these surgeries.