UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND. An anterior pharyngeal pouch is a common anatomic variation after total laryngectomy. The exact part the pouch has to play in postlaryngectomy swallowing disorders is unknown but might be bigger than expected. METHODS: Nine patients with a symptomatic pouch were treated with CO2 laser and questioned about pre- and postoperative complaints. RESULTS: Eight out of nine patients noticed an obvious improvement of their swallowing complaints after laser surgery. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it is concluded that CO2-laser treatment with division of the bar of tissue posterior to the pouch is seen as a safe and simple way to treat patients for symptoms that can be wrongly attributed to a total laryngectomy.
UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND. An anterior pharyngeal pouch is a common anatomic variation after total laryngectomy. The exact part the pouch has to play in postlaryngectomy swallowing disorders is unknown but might be bigger than expected. METHODS: Nine patients with a symptomatic pouch were treated with CO2 laser and questioned about pre- and postoperative complaints. RESULTS: Eight out of nine patients noticed an obvious improvement of their swallowing complaints after laser surgery. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it is concluded that CO2-laser treatment with division of the bar of tissue posterior to the pouch is seen as a safe and simple way to treat patients for symptoms that can be wrongly attributed to a total laryngectomy.