Incidentally Found Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum During Thyroidectomy: A Case Report

Ear Nose Throat J. 2023 Mar;102(3):153-155. doi: 10.1177/0145561321989433. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

Abstract

The aim of this case study is to demonstrate the very rare coincidental existence and management of a Killian-Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) during thyroid surgery. A 57-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a malignant thyroid nodule and the complaint of a sore throat. There were no suspicions concerning a diverticulum on examining her with flexible laryngoscopy or ultrasound imaging. During the right central neck dissection, we noticed a 3 × 3 cm KJD and resected it while preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve. After the successful operation, we questioned the patient and learned that for 1 year she had an occasional complaint of dysphagia. Postoperatively, there was no vocal cord palsy or hypocalcemia, and there was no pharyngoesophageal leak after oral alimentation. There was no recurrence or complaint for KJD or papillary carcinoma for 8 years follow-up. Nonspecific symptoms like a sore throat should be investigated, and patients should be questioned for all aerodigestive symptoms. If necessary, further investigation should be undertaken for a differential diagnosis.

Keywords: deglutition disorders; diverticulum; thyroid neoplasms; thyroidectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diverticulum*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharyngitis*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Thyroid Nodule* / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy / adverse effects