Long-term results of minimally invasive surgery for symptomatic epiphrenic diverticulum

Abstract

Background The real incidence of epiphrenic diverticulum is unknown, and only 15% to 20% of cases are symptomatic. Methods From January 1994 to May 2009, 20 patients were treated laparoscopically for this condition. Results The most common operation performed was transhiatal diverticulectomy with myotomy and partial fundoplication. No case was converted to open surgery. Esophageal leak occurred in 1 patient (5%). The postoperative courses were uneventful in the remaining 19 patients. After a median follow-up period of 52 months (range, 1–141 months), 1 patient had died of squamous cell carcinoma, 1 had mild solid-food dysphagia, 1 had chest pain, and 1 had heartburn. Manometry was performed postoperatively in 7 patients; all had normal lower esophageal sphincter pressure. In 5 patients who underwent 24-hour postoperative pH monitoring, pathologic reflux was absent. Conclusions In patients with symptomatic epiphrenic diverticulum, laparoscopic surgery is feasible, providing good access to the distal esophagus and inferior mediastinum. Long-term outcomes are satisfactory.