Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
A Pharyngeal Pouch is a small pocket that can develop from the gullet in the neck.
It is more common in older people and occurs when part of the gullet bulges backwards through a weak area of muscle.
The Pharyngeal Pouch can cause problems with regurgitation of food, difficulty swallowing and most seriously an increased risk of chest infections.
About the operation
Under a General Anaesthetic (fast asleep) a telescope is passed through the mouth to visualise the Pharyngeal Pouch. A stapling device is then used to cut and seal the Pouch to allow food to pass freely again.
Risks of this surgery
The most serious but very rare risk of this operation is perforation (a hole) of the gullet. Should this happen during the operation it may be necessary to insert a drainage tube from the outside of the neck and pass a feeding tube into the stomach. If a perforation is suspected after the operation (usually within 48 hrs) a feeding tube is also used along with antibiotics until the hole repairs. In some instances further surgery is required. Although treatment is usually effective a perforation is potentially life threatening.
There is a risk of damage to teeth and gums. Anaesthetics carry a small risk that your anaesthetist will discuss.
Alternatives to this surgery
An open operation (without telescope) is rarely performed now as it is a bigger procedure with a longer recovery time.
If no surgery is done there is a risk of serious chest infection occurring in the future and continuing swallowing problems.
Pre operative assessment
You will attend the hospital about 2 weeks before the operation for a pre-operative health assessment. This may include blood tests and X-rays.
Please bring all medications. If you take warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel or other blood thinning medicines it is important to let the doctor know
Intra operative care
You will come into hospital on the morning of the operation. The procedure lasts around one hour. Afterwards you will return to the ward and have regular temperature and pulse readings.
You will not eat or drink for 6 hours after the operation. If the operation is done in the afternoon, this will mean not eating or drinking overnight until the next morning.
When you start, you will be able to have sips of sterile water and if no problems build up to soft food over the next 12-24 hrs.
It is very important to report any chest or back pain in this time.
You will stay in hospital for one to two nights
After the operation – what to expect
As the operation is done through the throat no scars will be visible.
Your throat will be sore for a few days and you will be offered painkillers.
It usually takes 2 weeks to heal and you should refrain from activity or work for this period.
An appointment will be made for you to attend ENT outpatients.
After discharge home
If you have chest pain, back pain or other problems contact the ward immediately.
If any of these problems arise after you have gone home please contact the wards:
Frimley Park Hospital: Short Stay Surgery ward Direct No: 0300 613 3216
F1 (children’s ward) 0300 613 4252
The doctors involved in your care have written this information booklet to make your admission and care as smooth as possible. However, it does not cover every aspect of your care and the staff will always be happy to answer any other questions or points of concern.
Sources of Additional Information:
British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists: www.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE): www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/011
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.