Congenital pharyngeal webs: Treatment of a rare clinical entity by endoscopic CO 2 laser approach

Congenital fistula of the fourth branchial arch: Report of case with long‐lasting misdiagnosis

“…In hindsight, earlier laryngoscopy should have been performed. Even though the patient has to undergo general anesthesia, endoscopy has a very low complication rate, does not expose the patient to radiation, and is the single most sensitive examination leading to the right diagnosis …”

“…Even though the patient has to undergo general anesthesia, endoscopy has a very low complication rate, does not expose the patient to radiation, and is the single most sensitive examination leading to the right diagnosis. 11 Barium swallows and tomographic imaging can also be useful in the diagnostic work-up, however, lack sensitivity with high rate of false-negative results. An immediate combination of both methods can lead to higher diagnostic accuracy, as illustrated in this case report.…”

Congenital Pharyngeal Web in an Adult: Treatment of a Rare Clinical Anomaly by Coblation

“…Pharyngeal webs are rare congenital anomalies characterized by mucosal bands extending from the posterior pharyngeal wall anteriorly to the glottis, which is the opening between the vocal cords. 1 This type of defect in laryngeal anatomy is an uncommon occurrence, particularly in the adult population. Subsequent to the first case reported in 1983 by Gerson et al, six cases of congenital pharyngeal webs have been described in the pediatric population with mild variation in their clinical presentation and management.…”

“…Subsequent to the first case reported in 1983 by Gerson et al, six cases of congenital pharyngeal webs have been described in the pediatric population with mild variation in their clinical presentation and management. [1][2][3][4] In adults, congenital webs must be differentiated from hypopharyngeal stenosis, an acquired complication in the lower pharynx secondary to iatrogenic trauma, ingestion of hazardous substances, chemoradiation, or malignancy. [5][6][7][8][9][10] A mucosal band located in the hypopharynx, the most inferior portion of the pharynx, obstructs the normal passage of a food bolus from the oral cavity through the opening of the esophagus.…”

“…As a result, patients have presented with intermittent airway obstruction, aspiration, and odynophagia (pain with swallowing). [1][2][3][4] Most commonly, patients with webs in the hypopharynx present with progressive solid food dysphagia (i.e., difficulty swallowing). 1 This case demonstrates how congenital anomalies must be considered in the workup of dysphagia, even in adult patients.…”