Pharyngeal diverticulum- a delayed complication of anterior cervical spine surgery

Anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) is an established treatment for cervical spinedisorders and trauma. Pharyngeal diverticulum is a rare complication after ACSS and not well documented. Here we describe a patient who developed pharyngeal diverticulum after 5 years of ACSS for trauma. Pharyngeal diverticulum and dysphagia were persisted even after removal of plate and screws (elsewhere).He presented to us with dysphagia, weight loss and fistula of left neck with salivary and food discharge. Investigations revealed posterior pharyngeal diverticulum with fistula which opens in left posterior triangle of neck. Since the pharyngeal diverticulum was densely adherent with Prevertebral fascia, he underwent partial excision of diverticulum and fistulous tract with surrounding pharyngeal muscles reinforcement. On follow up (20 months post surgery), the patient remained in good condition with no further complications or neck discharge. This case was presented for its rarity and the need of long term X ray follow up after anterior cervical spine surgery..