Microlaryngoscopic repair of iatrogenic pharyngeal pouch perforations: treatment of choice?

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic stapled diverticulostomy (ESD) has become the preferred technique for managing pharyngeal pouches. Iatrogenic perforation, created during stapling, is a rare but serious complication with significant morbidity and mortality. The conventional management in these instances is to convert it to an external procedure and excise the pouch.

METHODS

Iatrogenic perforations were noticed after stapling in 3 cases in our series of 73 patients who underwent ESD. They were repaired using microlaryngoscopic techniques.

RESULTS

All patients had an unremarkable postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

Selected cases with iatrogenic perforations can be repaired primarily and observed with excellent outcome, obviating the need for an external pouch excision.