Fig. 1

Preoperative and postoperative findings. a Preoperative esophagography showing a left-sided outpouching sac just below the cricopharyngeal bar. Arrow: cricopharyngeal bar; arrowhead: diverticulum. b Preoperative computed tomography with contrast showing a diverticulum (arrowhead) from the esophagus at the level of the cricothyroid cartilage. c Postoperative esophagography reveals no leakage. d Postoperative enhanced computed tomography showing that the thyroid gland flap (arrowhead) is accurately placed to cover the defect, and the surgical area is clearly enhanced.