Difficult polypectomy-giant hypopharyngeal polyp: Case report and literature review

Giant esophageal and hypopharyngeal polyps are benign tumors rarely encountered in clinical practice. In most cases, they are completely asymptomatic; however, despite the rarity of these tumors, interest in giant esophageal polyps derives from their degree of growth ( characterized by slow growth into the esophageal lumen) and their mobility. In fact, if regurgitation occurs, they can ascend into the oral cavity and be aspirated into the airways, with potentially lethal consequences. The removal of these giant polyps is recommended. An adequate preoperative evaluation to identify the correct origin of the stalk is mandatory for a successful endoscopic or surgical treatment. A 60-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for anemia. The patient underwent gastroscopy, contrast computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound. At the conclusion of the procedure, during the extraction of the echoendoscope, the patient began retching and regurgitated the polyp, without experiencing respiratory distress. The patient underwent a left cervicotomy and polyp dissection via a pharyngotomy. (C) 2013 Baishideng. All rights reserved.