[Endoscopic stapling diverticulostomy for Zenker diverticulum].

INTRODUCTION

The authors have successfully applied the endoscopic stapling diverticulostomy for three patients with symptomatic Zenker diverticulum.

METHOD: Under light general anesthesia the hypopharynx was explored with a rigid, double lipped laryngoscope (Weerda, Storz). The common wall between the esophagus and and diverticulum was cut across and reunited with a endosurgical stapler.

RESULTS

Operating time was 25 minutes in average. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The oral feeding was started on the 2. postoperative day. The patients were symptom-free and they were discharged on the fifth postoperative day. The preoperative symptoms were not reported at follow-up assessment.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic stapler diverticulostomy offers distinct advantages, including brief operative time, short hospitalization, reduced morbidity, early oral feeding and predictable resolution of symptoms. The authors proposed the technique in the treatment of the patients with Zenker's diverticulum especially for elderly cases with diverticulum larger than 3 cm.