Oesophageal diverticula

Abstract

Oesophageal diverticula are rare. They are most commonly seen at the pharyngo-oesophageal junction (Zenker's diverticula) or at the distal oesophagus (epiphrenic diverticula). In both cases they are caused by altered motility which results in abnormal intraluminal pressure and the pushing of the oesophageal mucosa through focal weaknesses of the muscular wall (pulsion diverticula). The established surgical treatment for these diverticula therefore consists of eliminating the functional obstruction causing the disease (myotomy), associated with resection of the diverticulum (diverticulectomy) or its suspension (diverticulopexy). Recently, the spread of minimally invasive surgery has also led the application of such techniques to the treatment of oesophageal diverticula. Endoscopic diverticulostomy with stapler, laser or coagulation, through a rigid or flexible endoscope, has been demonstrated to be a valid treatment for Zenker's diverticula—as an alternative to surgery—especially in high-risk patients. On the other hand, laparoscopic treatment of epiphrenic diverticula has recently been introduced with encouraging results. However, because the disease is rare, more experience is required in order to allow definitive conclusions.