Introduction: Many surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of pharyngeal pouches but there is no single treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to determine current practice in pharyngeal pouch surgery by UK otolaryngologists.
Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to all UK-based consultant members of the British Association of Otolaryngologists - Head and Neck Surgeons (BAO-HNS).
Results: Endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy is the most commonly performed procedure, performed by 89% of surgeons, followed by excision. Of those consultants that considered there to be a treatment of choice, 83% stated endoscopic stapling as their preference. Practices differ regarding the insertion of nasogastric tubes after endoscopic procedures and the need for postoperative barium studies. The length of in-patient stay tends to be short with 80% of surgeons discharging patients by day 2.
Conclusions: Endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy is now the most commonly performed procedure for the management of pharyngeal pouches by UK otolaryngologists and is now considered by many to be the treatment of choice.