Killian's dehiscence (Killian's Triangle)

• Killian’s dehiscence is a potential triangular gap between the oblique fibers of thyropharyngeus and the transverse fibers of cricopharyngeus (Thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus are 2 parts of the inferior constrictor of pharynx)
• It is named after German ENT surgeon – Gustav Killian
• It is through this gap that the herniation of pharyngeal mucosa occurs in case of pharyngeal pouch (Zenker’s diverticulum)
• It is also called ‘gateway of tears‘ as it is a common site for perforation during oesophagoscopy

Synonyms:

• Laimer triangle
• Laimer-Haeckermann area
• Laimer-Killian triangle