Endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy: an audit of difficulties, outcome, and patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the procedure in terms of technical difficulties, patient satisfaction, symptom relief, recurrence, and further management.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective study including 41 patients who underwent endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy. Clinical notes were reviewed, and patients were sent a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using the chi(2) square test.

SETTING

Teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Larger pouches had the best results; 81.578% were satisfied with the surgery, and 86.84% had improved swallowing. Complications presented in 6 patients (15%), including a perforated pouch and an esophageal perforation. Complications were more frequent in small pouches.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy offers rapid recovery in most patients, with early oral intake and short hospital stay. There is a high degree of symptoms relief, and the patient's satisfaction rate is high. The assessment of the pharyngeal pouch size is an important factor when deciding the best management for a patient with a pharyngeal pouch.