Utility of transcervical management of Zenker's diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate our results in treating Zenker's diverticulum via the transcervical approach, and to compare our experiences with a recent systematic review of both open and endoscopic approaches to the pharyngeal pouch.

METHOD: An audit yielded 41 consecutive cases of Zenker's diverticulum treated between 2003 and 2013.

RESULTS

All 41 patients underwent transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy; 29 sacs also required 'inversion'. The median and mean length of hospital stay was 1 night and 2.5 nights respectively. The recurrence rate was 2.4 per cent and the complication rate was 9.8 per cent.

CONCLUSION

When compared to reported endoscopic techniques, transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy (with or without inversion) in our unit resulted in: shorter hospital stay, a comparable complication rate and fewer recurrences.