Endoscopic Stapling for Pharyngeal Pouch (Zenker’s Diverticulum)
What is a pharyngeal pouch (Zenker’s diverticulum)?
A pharyngeal pouch is a small pocket that can form in the throat, just above the food pipe (oesophagus). This can cause symptoms like:
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Difficulty swallowing
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Food coming back up after eating
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Coughing or choking
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Bad breath
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Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat
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Chest infections from food or drink going down the wrong way
How is it treated?
Endoscopic stapling is a modern, minimally invasive procedure used to treat this condition. Instead of making large cuts, Dr Fragkiadakis uses a thin tube with a camera (an endoscope) to see inside your throat. A special stapling device is then used to remove the pouch and help your throat work normally again.
Benefits of endoscopic stapling:
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No large cuts—sometimes no cuts at all
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Faster recovery (most people feel better and can go home within the day or the next)
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Lower risk of infection, bleeding, and scarring
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High success rate for relieving symptoms
Risks and complications:
As with any surgery, there are some risks, but they are generally low. Possible complications include:
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Minor bleeding during the procedure
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Infection (treatable with antibiotics, rarely might need ICU admission)
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Food or drink accidentally entering the lungs during recovery (aspiration)
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The pouch coming back (rare)
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