Laparoscopic Resection of a Giant Epiphrenic Esophagus Diverticulum: Report of a Case

Abstract

Esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum is an uncommon disorder. Diverticulectomy is usually applied to patients with symptoms, such as dysphagia or acid regurgitation. Traditionally, the operation is performed via thoracotomy through the thoracoscopic approach. But a mini-invasive method, such as laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy with an anti-reflux procedure has shown to be a better procedure with an less postoperative pain and morbidity according to reports of some authors. We describe a 53-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy followed by 360 fundoplication. The postoperative condition was uneventful and the patient began receiving regular diet on postoperative day 7, and was discharged on postoperative day 8. A barium swallow showed a normal-size esophagus with a regular emptying and sharp angle at the region of fundoplication. In conclusion, laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy for the treatment of symptomatic esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum is a safe and effective technique with minimal morbidity.