The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Removal of pharyngeal pouch
Minimally invasive surgery to remove a pouch that can form at the top of your food pipe
What is a pharyngeal pouch?
A pharyngeal pouch is a bulging pocket that forms in your neck near the top of the food pipe.
Symptoms include the feeling of a lump in the throat and a gagging reflex.
Your consultant can remove this pouch using a minimally invasive procedure.
Need to know
After you've been put to sleep with a general anaesthetic your surgeon will insert a tube into your food pipe through your mouth, and use a tiny camera to locate the pouch. It will then cut away using a special stapling device.
Your surgeon will tell you how you should prepare. As you'll be given a general anaesthetic you shouldn't eat or drink for at least 24 hours prior to your procedure.
You'll be unable to eat or drink by mouth following surgery and will be fed by a tube through your nose. Your surgeon will advise you when you will be able to eat and drink.
Take your time eating once you do start and you will probably begin with a diet of soft foods, or liquids. You should be able to go home the day of the procedure, but an overnight stay may be required for observation.
You'll be advised to rest, take time off work and avoid strenuous activities for about a week.
Our Removal of pharyngeal pouch locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.