Pharyngeal diverticulum: Iatrogenic complication of anterior cervical spine surgery

IntroductionDysphagia is a common presenting complaint and can often be due to pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, including Zenker's diverticulum. Iatrogenic pharyngeal diverticulum, occurring after anterior cervical spine surgery, is a rare cause of dysphagia.Case reportWe report the case of a 51-year-old man, with a history of anterior cervical fusion about ten years previously, who complained of chronic dysphagia and disabling episodes of aspiration. Anterolateral pharyngeal diverticulum in contact with the cervical screw plates was diagnosed on barium swallow and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.DiscussionPharyngeal diverticulum differs from Zenker's diverticulum in terms of its position and its origin. It may occur early or late after anterior cervical spine surgery. Treatment consists of endoscopic or open surgery via a neck incision. In our case, appropriate treatment allowed complete resolution of the patient's symptoms with no complications following rigorous postoperative surveillance.