Results of operative treatment of hypopharyngeal diverticulum.

The so-called hypopharyngeal diverticula may be classified, according to their size, localization, and form, into three stages. Small diverticula (first stage) should not be surgically removed, whereas all other diverticula, that is, those causing symptoms, must be surgically removed as soon after diagnosis as possible. Diverticulectomy performed in one stage is the treatment of choice. A series of patients is reviewed. The risk involved in surgery is found to be of minor degree, and the incidence of complications is low. Radiologically demonstrable recurrence may develop in 10% to 12% of all patients while clinical symptoms of recurrence are seen in only about 2%.