PMC7591960_01
Intraoperative images: neo-vallecula before and after CO2 laser division. Images showing the intraoperative findings for patient 1. (a) A band of tissue, the neo-vallecula, is limiting a full view of the pharynx. (b) The band of tissue is retracted superiorly using a suction. (c) Intraoperative image of the band of tissue following CO2 laser division, demonstrating a widely patent pharynx.
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fig1
The intraoperative technique is shown in Figure 1.
PMC7591960_02
Patient 2 underwent preoperative and postoperative swallow studies. (a) A preoperative swallow study showing pooling of contrast within the neo-vallecular pouch (arrows). (b) A postoperative swallow study showing significant improvement, with most of the contrast making its way towards the esophageal inlet (arrows).
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fig2
After surgery, a swallow study demonstrated absence of the shelf-like tissue protrusion seen on the preoperative study (Figure 2).
PMC7591960_03