OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term success of endoscopic stapling as a primary procedure for the treatment of pharyngeal pouches. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case review of 25 patients with pharyngeal pouches treated by endoscopic stapling (23 stapled, 2 abandoned) over a 4-year period (1994 to 1998) at a University teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Outcome measures used were relief of symptoms over a long-term follow-up of 2 to 5 years. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients analyzed, 12 patients (48%) have remained asymptomatic after their initial stapling. Eight patients (32%) were relieved of their symptoms after revision stapling. The overall long-term success rate for endoscopic stapling was 80% (20 of 25 patients) CONCLUSION: Reduced morbidity and few complications in the elderly make endoscopic stapling a favored primary technique of treating pharyngeal pouches. Open surgery is recommended only in healthy patients with very large pouches.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Raut et al. (2002) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: