Killian's dehiscence explained

Killian's dehiscence

Killian's dehiscence (also known as Killian's triangle) is a triangular area in the wall of the pharynx between the cricopharyngeus and thyropharyngeus which are the two parts of the inferior constrictors(also see Pharyngeal pouch). It can be seen as a locus minoris resistentiae.A similar triangular area between circular fibres of the cricopharyngeus and longitudinal fibres of the esophagus is Lamier's triangle or Lamier-hackermann's area.

Clinical significance

It represents a potentially weak spot where a pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (Zenker's diverticulum) is more likely to occur.[1]

Eponym

It is named after the German ENT surgeon Gustav Killian.

References

  1. Chaplin JM, Stewart IA . Use of surgical stapling device in excision of pharyngeal diverticulum . ANZ Journal of Surgery . 64 . 7 . 501–2 . July 1994 . 8010924 . 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1994.tb02266.x.