Thursday, December 16, 2010

Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum - Irvine, Orange, Newport Beach, Tustin, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Long Beach, San Diego, Huntington Beach, Riverside, San Bernandino



Difficulty swallowing is a common complaint.  When food sticks in the lower throat, coughing or choking occurs with meals, and there are symptoms of regurgitation of food matter after meals, the diagnosis of a pharyngeal or esophageal diverticulum should be considered.  If you experience these symptoms, you should seek the care of an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist, and a barium esophagram should be obtained.  This consists of swallowing contrast material, which outlines the contour of the swallowing tube. 

The most common type of pharyngeal diverticulum is the Zenker's diverticulum, which occurs in the lower throat starting just above the upper esophageal sphincter.  A less common type is the Killian-Jamieson diverticulum, taking off just below the upper esophageal sphincter.  These are less commonly symptomatic, but can also present with the same symptoms as a Zenker's diverticulum.

Treatment consists of surgery if the pouch is symptomatic.  Minimally invasive surgery is preferred, including endoscopic procedures.  In some cases (smaller pouches, restricted mouth opening or neck extension) surgery through the neck is preferable. 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Roger Daltrey and Voice Disorders

There was an interesting story tonight on KCAL 9 in Los Angeles.  It was about Roger Daltrey, who underwent laryngeal surgery just before last years super bowl.  The surgery happened to be performed by my fellowship mentor, Steven Zeitels, at the Massachusetts General Center for Voice Rehabilitation and Laryngeal Surgery. The story also featured Julie Andrews and Steven Tyler, and brought attention to the challenge of treating patients with vocal fold scar, and promising research attempting to heal scarred vocal folds.  Please check out these links. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RKE55UIhDw&feature=related

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2010/12/02/the-who-frontman-opens-up-about-almost-losing-his-voice/

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2010/12/02/who-better-more-on-roger-daltreys-return-to-good-voice-part-2/