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Pharyngeal pouch: associations and complications

  • Laryngology
  • Published:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head & Neck Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aetiopathogenesis of pharyngeal pouch remains obscure. This review highlights the associations and complications of pharyngeal pouch to better understand the pathogenesis and management of the pouch. A search of the MEDLINE was conducted to identify studies that looked at associations and/or complications of the pharyngeal pouch. The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) included Zenker’s diverticulum and hypopharyngeal diverticulum. A total of 64 papers were included for the analysis. They consisted mainly of single case reports, case series and review articles and one case control study. A summary of evidence from the literature is discussed. This review shows the various associations and complications that can occur with pharyngeal pouches. It is important to be aware that pharyngeal pouch can co-exist with other pathologies and treatment needs to be altered to incorporate the treatment of the associated pathology too. Surgeons should also be aware of the complications that can occur within and outside the pouch.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, E11 1NR, UK

    Purushotham Sen, Gaurav Kumar & Abir K. Bhattacharyya

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  1. Purushotham Sen
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  2. Gaurav Kumar
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  3. Abir K. Bhattacharyya
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Correspondence to Purushotham Sen.

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None of the authors have any financial interest in this study.

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Sen, P., Kumar, G. & Bhattacharyya, A.K. Pharyngeal pouch: associations and complications. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 263, 463–468 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-005-1036-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-005-1036-9

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