Treatment Of Zenker's Diverticulum Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in the Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum: A Single-Center Experience.

The efficacy and safety of Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM), a current method in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), have been demonstrated in a limited number of studies and case reports. This study aimed to report our experience with the Z-POEM method. Patients with ZD who were treated with Z-POEM between January 2019 and March 2023 and had a followup period of at least 3 months were included in the study. Our primary endpoint was clinical success. A Kothari-Haber score (KHS) of 2 or less at 1 month postoperatively was defined as clinical success. Our secondary endpoints were adverse events and recurrence rates. In total, 20 patients (males, 65%; mean age, 63 ± 14.4 years) were treated with Z-POEM. The mean ZD septum length was 33.7 (±11.04) mm. The technical success rate was 100% (20/20), and the clinical success rate was 95% (19/20). In 1 case with a large ZD (septum length of 60 mm), the mucosal septum, which was thought to cause partial persistence of symptoms, was treated by endoscopic septotomy. The mean KHS decreased significantly after Z-POEM (preoperative KHS: 7.3 and postoperative KHS: 0.15, P < .0001). The median follow-up period was 10 months (interquartile range, 3-39). No recurrence was observed in any case. Intraprocedural mild subcutaneous emphysema was observed in 4 (20%) cases. Emphysema regressed spontaneously in the postoperative period without any treatment. Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy is a successful and reliable method in the treatment of ZD, with low recurrence rates.

Flexible Endoscopy Versus Rigid Endoscopy or Surgery for the Management of Zenker's Diverticulum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Zenker's diverticulum treatment options range from endoscopic rigid or flexible procedures to surgery. There are limited studies available comparing these techniques. Frequently, the choice of treatment depends on the physician's preference or experience, as well as the institution's resources and capacity. Therefore, this study aims to define the best approach based on the highest efficacy and the lowest severe adverse events. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search was performed.Only comparative studies were included,analyzing flexible endoscopy versus rigid endoscopy or surgery. The outcomes analyzed were clinical and technical success, severe adverse events, length of stay, and duration of the procedure. Analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 (RevMan 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark). Eight retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1281 patients were identified, 492 underwent flexible endoscopy, 453 underwent rigid endoscopy, and 336 underwent surgery. There was no difference in clinical success [risk difference (RD), 0.07 (95% CI -0.05 to 0.19%); P = 0.26], technical success [RD, 0.07 (95% CI -0.03 to 0.16); P = 0.18], severe adverse events [RD, -0.03 (95% CI -0.13 to 0.07; P = 0.052), perforation [RD, 0.07 (95% CI -0.04 to 0.19); P = 0.22] or procedure time [mean difference (MD), - 10.03 (95% CI -26.93 to 6.88); P = 0.24). There was lower length of stay with flexible endoscopy compared to the other approaches [MD, -1.98 (95% CI -3.56 to -0.40); P = 0.001]. Based on the current evidence, the three main techniques are effective for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Although there was no significant difference in the safety of each technique in this meta-analysis, this result should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited data and the risk of vies between the techniques, considering that the results tend to favor flexible endoscopy, mainly explained by the newer and safer devices. Length of stay is lower with flexible endoscopy versus the other techniques, which can be beneficial considering the geriatric populations where Zenker's diverticulum mainly occurs.

Postoperative Complications and Reoperative Surgery in the Treatment of Patients With Zenker Diverticulum

The association of the surgical approach, surgical specialty, and other factors with the outcomes of surgical treatment of Zenker diverticulum (ZD) have been debated in the literature. To explore the outcomes of 3 different surgical methods used in the management of ZD and determine the associations between patient characteristics, such as preoperative comorbidities and treatment outcomes. This retrospective, population-based cohort study examined patient records of patients who underwent surgical treatment for ZD from the Care Register for Healthcare database in Finland between January 1996 and December 2015. Data review and analysis were completed in 2021. Surgical treatment for ZD. Complications of surgical procedures used in the management of ZD. In this study, 1044 patients (median [IQR] age, 70.0 [22.0-98.0] years; 416 female individuals [39.8%]) surgically treated for ZD were identified. Most patients (606 [58.0%]) had no preoperative comorbidities. A total of 67 (6.4%) complications were recorded, with a mortality rate of 0.9%. The likelihood of complications was associated with patient age (t [1042] = 2.28; Cohen d, 0.29; 95%, CI 0.04, 0.54), surgical approach (Cramer V = 0.14 [95% CI 0.07-0.21]), and surgical specialty (Cramer V, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.28). The median (IQR) length of stay in association with the primary surgical intervention was 3.0 (0-85.0) days. Length of stay was associated with patient age (Cramer V, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.06-0.25), especially in patients older than 90 years, surgical approach (F [2, 466.2] = 26.9; ηp2 = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05-0.11), and surgical specialty (F [4, 22.1] = 11.0; ηp2 = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.04-0.10). Reoperation was associated with the initial surgical approach (Cramer V, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.12-0.23) and surgical specialty (Cramer V, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.09-0.21). The results of this cohort study suggest that the outcomes of surgical management depended on the surgical approach, surgical specialty, and patient age. Overall, surgical treatment may be considered safe and may be considered for all patients with symptomatic ZD.

C-reactive protein as an early marker of postoperative leakage in patients after endoscopic laser assisted Zenker's diverticulotomy.

Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are the treatment of choice for Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). Our objective was to evaluate the results and efficacy of endoscopic and open approaches, to determine whether postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels can be used as a marker to exclude the presence of esophageal leakage, and to identify risk factors for development of postoperative leakage and complications. Patients who underwent transcervical myotomy and diverticulotomy (TMD) or endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (ECM) with CO2 laser for ZD in years 2008-2021 at our department were included in this retrospective study. Of the 101 patients enrolled, 83 patients underwent ECM and 18 TMD. The procedure time of the endoscopic technique was significantly shorter compared to that of transcervical method (p < 0.001). The median time to oral intake was 6days for ECM and 10.5days in the TMD group (p < 0.001). There was a 13% (n = 11) and 16.7% (n = 3) symptomatic recurrence rate and 3.6% (n = 3) and 16.7% (n = 3) major complications rate for ECM and TMD groups, respectively. The incidence of contrast leak (CL) evaluated by postoperative swallow study was 8.9% (9 from 83 patients in the ECM group only). In patients with CL, a significant increase in CRP levels on postoperative day (POD) 2 and 3 was detected when compared to patients without CL. Endoscopic diverticulotomy with CO2 laser represents a safe and efficient treatment of ZD. Elevation of postoperative CRP serum levels over 123.8mg/L on POD2 and 98.8mg/L on POD3 may indicate presence of an esophageal leakage.

Postoperative management of Zenker's diverticulum: Results of the American Bronchoesophagological Association survey

IntroductionAlthough treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is commonly performed by otolaryngologists using a variety of surgical techniques, there is little published data on the postoperative management of patients. We sought to determine practice patterns among members of the American Bronchoesophagological Association (ABEA) after surgery for ZD. MethodsAn online questionnaire was designed via JotForm™ and subsequently sent to active members of the ABEA. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsTwenty-three members (6.6 %) completed the survey. Most (73.9 %) were fellowship trained in laryngology and reported performing >5 procedures per year. Most laryngologists reported employing multiple techniques including transcervical (TC) (73.9 %), endoscopic stapling (ES) (65.2 %), endoscopic CO2 laser (EL) (56.5 %), and endoscopic harmonic scalpel (EH) (4.3 %). Postoperatively, 52.3 % of respondents placed patients in 23-hour observation after TC, 66.7 % after ES, 69.2 % after EL, and 100 % after EH. 47.1 % of respondents used standard overnight admission after TC, as compared to 13.3 % after ES, 23.1 % after EL and 0 % after EH. Postoperative esophagography was utilized by 70.6 % of respondents after TC, 20 % after ES, 38.5 % after EL, and 100 % after EH. A peroral diet was started postoperatively on the day of surgery by 26.7 % respondents after ES but not after any of the other techniques. ConclusionMost laryngology trained respondents employ multiple techniques for the treatment of ZD including at least 1 endoscopic technique. Respondents were more likely to hospitalize patients after a transcervical than endoscopic approach. Postoperative esophagography was utilized in most patients after TC, but not after ES or EL. Most respondents admit patients for 23-hour observation and start a peroral diet on postoperative day 1 regardless of technique.

Zenker’s Diverticulum: Endoscopic Staple-Assisted Diverticulotomy

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) results from a posterior mucosal herniation through Killian’s triangle, an area situated above the cricopharyngeus (CP) muscle and below the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. ZD is likely caused by incomplete relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter as well as increased intraluminal pressure. ZD can be asymptomatic, and the most common symptom associated with symptomatic ZD is dysphagia. The definitive treatment for symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum is a surgical correction, either by an open transcervical or an endoscopic approach. The open surgical approach involves a transcervical incision usually involving concurrent cricopharyngeal (CP) myotomy, whereas the endoscopic utilizes an endoscope to visualize and divide the diverticulum from the inside. Endoscopic approaches have gained widespread acceptance due to shorter hospital stays, lower rates of complications, ease of access in case of recurrence, and shorter operation times. Thus, endoscopic access is often considered the first-line choice for the treatment of ZD. We present a case of a patient with a symptomatic ZD that is treated with an endoscopic staple-assisted diverticulotomy. The clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, surgical procedure, and postoperative care are highlighted.

Zenker Diverticulum: Does Size Correlate with Preoperative Symptoms?

Introduction Zenker diverticulum (ZD) usually affects adults after the 7 th decade of life. Treatment for ZD is indicated for all symptomatic patients, but some patients prefer to defer surgical treatment until symptoms get worse and decrease their quality of life. Objective To evaluate the association of the preoperative symptoms in ZD patients with the size of the ZD. Methods A retrospective study design. Electronic medical records were used to identify patients diagnosed with ZD and treated over 11 years. Data collection included the chief complaints and symptoms, medical history, and findings on radiologic swallow evaluations of the patients. The diverticulum size was stratified into 3 groups: small (< 1 cm), moderate (1–3 cm), and large (> 3 cm). Results A total of 165 patients were enrolled and stratified by diverticulum size (48 small, 67 medium, and 50 large). Dysphagia, cough, and regurgitation were the most prevalent symptoms. Dysphonia was more frequent among patients with a small pouch. Logistic regression analysis showed that dysphagia and choking were associated with large and medium diverticulum size ( p < 0.05 ) . Additionally, dysphonia was significantly associated with the presence of a small-sized ZD ( p < 0.04). Conclusion Upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as dysphagia and choking may be associated with a ZD > 1 cm and should always be evaluated. Additionally, the presence of dysphonia was found to be correlated with a ZD < 1 cm, suggesting that a prompt and appropriate fluoroscopic evaluation must be considered in those patients in whom no other clear cause of dysphonia is evident.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy and septotomy for Zenker diverticulum.

Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is the most common hypopharyngeal diverticulum seen often in septuagenarian and octogenarian males. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the most common presenting symptom. Treatment of ZD has been advancing with the introduction of a wide variety of accessory devices, primarily focusing on obliteration of the septum by complete transection of the cricopharyngeus muscle to recreate the common cavity and restore normal pharyngo-esophageal bolus outflow. This review aimed to provide an overview of the various surgical and endoscopic treatment options for ZD, while focusing specifically on Zenker peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Первый успешный опыт эндоскопического лечения дивертикула Ценкера в Казахстане

Zenker's diverticulum tends to occur in the elderly and is generally a relatively rare disorder; the prevalence of Zenker's diverticulum is 1.5–5% of all esophageal diverticula. Men are affected 2-3 times more frequently than women. To date, Zenker's diverticulum is treated mostly by surgery in Kazakhstan, however, with the development of endoscopy the minimally invasive method, endoscopic diverticuloesophagostomy, is being implemented. The transoral treatment is aimed at creating the common cavity between the esophagus and the diverticulum in order to prevent food accumulation in the diverticulum. The anterior wall between these two structures consists of the diverticular wall, m. сricopharyngeus and esophagus wall, the septum transsection automatically ensures myotomy. Both open surgery and endoscopic transoral treatment of Zenker's diverticulum result in reduced symptoms in 94–100% of patients. The paper reports the first successful experience of the Zenker's diverticulum treatment by endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection in Kazakhstan.

S2022 Rare Cause of Acute Onset Dysphagia and Treatment With Z-Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (Z-POEM)

INTRODUCTION: Zenker's Diverticulum (ZD) is a rare disease with a prevalence of 0.01 to 0.11% in the general population.It is commonly associated with symptoms of progressive and chronic symptoms of dysphagia and weight loss. We describe a rare case of acute onset of dysphagia related to ZD and its management with a novel endoscopic technique. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: An 82-year-old female with multiple co-morbidities presented to the hospital with acute onset dysphagia to solids and liquids since last 2 weeks. She lost 10 lbs and started coughing incessantly with any solids or liquid intake. Vital signs and routine laboratory values were within normal limits. On examination by speech and language pathologist, she was noted to have severe oropharyngeal dysphagia and frank aspiration with all consistencies. A modified barium swallow showed a large ZD and aspiration. Neurology consultation was sought given acuity of dysphagia, however there were no local neurological deficits on imaging and physical exam. Subsequently an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed which showed a 4-5 cm ZD and the septum separating the diverticulum from the pinpoint esophageal lumen. The case was discussed at a multidisciplinary conference involving gastroenterology, ENT and radiology and decision was made to proceed with endoscopic septotomy. A Z-peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed with septotomy. It was technically challenging to expose the anterior aspect of the septum secondary to significant fibrosis and difficulty with dissection. Therefore a partial septotomy was performed extending to about 2 cm distally at the posterior aspect of the septum. The scope was withdrawn and reintroduced into the true esophageal lumen more easily despite the anterior aspect of the septum not being completely dissected. Patient was started on clear liquid diet after 48 hours with gradual advancement and tolerated it well. On a 4-week follow up visit, patient continued to tolerate diet well with weight gain and no signs of aspiration. DISCUSSION: Treatment of ZD can be accomplished with open surgery, a rigid endoscope, flexible endoscope or more recently, the novel Z-POEM procedure. Z-POEM utilizes the concept of submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division (STESD) technique and has permitted complete muscular septum dissection while maintaining the mucosal integrity. It is associated with fewer rates of complications and symptom recurrence as compared to septotomy with standard flexible endoscopy.Figure 1.: Z-Per oral endoscopic myotomy.

Transoral Stapling Technique for Zenker's Diverticulum

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a rare disorder that has a reported annual incidence of about 2 cases per 100,000. It is a pulsion (false) diverticulum that develops in an area of natural anatomic weakness called Killian's triangle. This is located between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscles. The exact etiology and pathophysiology of ZD is not known. Cricopharyngeal discoordination, spasm, or hypertension have all been implicated as underlying mechanisms leading to herniation of the hypopharyngeal mucosa and submucosa and consequently the formation of a ZD. Gastroesophageal reflux has also been implicated as a potential underlying mechanism in the development of ZD. Patients typically will present with symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia, food regurgitation, and in severe cases aspiration pneumonia. Cricopharyngeal myotomy is the mainstay of surgical treatment of symptomatic ZD. The traditional surgical approach to ZD includes an open cervical cricopharyngeal myotomy. However, starting with Collard's initial report of endoscopic stapling in 1993, the endoscopic approach to ZD treatment has been popularized. Since then, increasing reports have described utilizing a variety of endoscopic techniques for management of ZD. Herein we present our current preferred endoscopic approach to treatment of ZD.

Do we still need a diverticuloscope for the flexible endoscopic septotomy of Zenker's diverticulum?

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is the most common type of diverticulum in the esophagus. The endoscopic septotomy of the diverticular wall has become a widely accepted treatment modality, but the recurrence rate is unclear. Our aim was to assess short-term and long-term success rates after flexible endoscopic septotomy for the treatment of ZD. All consecutive patients treated at our department for a ZD between November 2014 and September 2018 were included. Endoscopic septotomy was conducted using a diverticuloscope or a distal attachment cap. Data were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively collected database. We collected data concerning patients, endoscopic procedures, and short-term clinical outcomes. All patients were reached by phone between October and December 2018 to assess long-term results. Seventy-seven patients were referred to our department for a ZD. Sixty patients were treated using a diverticuloscope and 17 patients with a distal attachment cap. For all 77 patients, the myotomy was technically successful. Three patients treated with a diverticuloscope reported complications. Initial treatment success was 93%. After a mean (±SEM) follow up of 23±2months, 66% of patients had persistent clinical remission. The rate of long-term treatment success was 72% in treatment-naïve and 50% in previously treated patients (P=0.13). Treatment success was 68% in patients treated with the diverticuloscope versus 60% in the group treated with a cap (P=0.75). The flexible endoscopic septotomy for the treatment of ZD is a safe and effective treatment of ZD, with or without a diverticuloscope.

Zenker diverticulum: Experience in surgical treatment of large diverticula.

The purpose of this retrospective study is to show that transcervical diverticulectomy (TD) in treatment of Zenker diverticulum (ZD) can still be a first choice procedure in selected patients and in experienced hands its safety might be compared to the minimally invasive endoscopic diverticulostomy.The study cohort consisted of 44 patients (18 male, 26 female) operated for (ZD). All the patients underwent open diverticulectomy. The decision to choose open surgical repair depended on surgical risk, age of the patient, size of the diverticular septum (the distance between the top of the diverticulum and its bottom on barium study), and patient's preference.Mean age of patients was 64.6 ± 11.9 years; range: 26 to 88 years. A total of 36.4% out of them finished 70 years. Postoperative mortality was nil. Two major complications (4.5%) requiring surgical intervention occurred: leak and hematoma.Data were analyzed by t test for independent samples using Statistica 12.5 software. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Surgical treatment of patients with ZD should be individualized. Large Zenker diverticula with the septum longer than 6 cm should preferably be resected through an open approach because it is not possible to remove the septum completely during one-step endoscopic procedure and diverticulostomy creates a weak and large common cavity in the esophagus. Surgical repair is effective for all sizes of diverticula, but its most serious complications such as leakage or laryngeal nerve injury should be considered, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities. However, age alone should not be the main criterion if choosing the treatment option.

Endoscopic needle-knife treatment for symptomatic esophageal Zenker's diverticulum: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety following endoscopic management of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) using a needle-knife technique. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases was performed. All original studies reporting efficacy and safety of needle-knife technique for treatment of ZD were included. Pooled event rates across studies were expressed with summative statistics. Main outcomes, such as rates of immediate symptomatic response (ISR), adverse events and recurrence, were extracted, pooled and analyzed. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the R statistic. The random effects model was used and results were expressed with forest plots and summative statistics. Thirteen studies included 589 patients were enrolled. Pooled event rates for ISR, overall complication, bleeding and perforation were 88% (95% confidence interval [CI] 79-94%), 13% (95% CI 8-22%), 5% (95% CI 3-10%) and 7% (95% CI 4-12%), respectively. The pooled data demonstrated an overall recurrence rate of 14% (95% CI 9-21%). Diverticulum size of at least 4 cm and less than 4 cm demonstrated pooled adverse event rates of 17% (95% CI 10-27%) and 7% (95% CI 2-18%), respectively. When using diverticuloscope as an accessory, pooled ISR and adverse events rates were 84% (95% CI 58-95%) and 10% (95% CI 3-26%), respectively. Flexible endoscopic procedures using needle-knife offers a relatively safe and effective treatment of symptomatic ZD, especially for ZD of <4 cm in diameter.

New and emerging techniques for endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum: State‐of‐the‐art review

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), or pharyngeal pouch, is an anatomical defect characterized by herniation of the posterior pharyngeal wall through Killian's dehiscence, and may result in dysphagia and regurgitation. Multiple therapeutic modalities including surgery, rigid and flexible endoscopy have been developed to manage ZD. Although surgical management with open and endoscopically assisted techniques have historically been the mainstay of ZD treatment, minimally invasive flexible endoscopic techniques, carried out under conscious sedation, are increasingly favored. Over the last two decades, the advent of new accessories and techniques have changed the landscape of endotherapy for ZD, with the current armamentarium including, but not limited to, endoscopic stapling, CO2 laser, argon plasma coagulation, needle knife, bipolar forceps, hook knife, clutch cutter, stag beetle knife, and submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division. We hereby review the latest evidence to support the endoscopic management of ZD.

Complete Resolution of Guttate Psoriasis after Tonsillectomy

Our objectives were to review our experience with laser-assisted diverticulotomy (LAD) in the treatment of Zenker diverticulum (ZD) and compare our results with those in published literature on other endoscopic and surgical techniques. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 57 patients who underwent LAD treatment of ZD in a single tertiary care institution. Data on surgical complications, length of stay, and follow-up were collected. Age ranged from 56 to 89 years. Endoscopic exposure of the diverticulum was not possible in 2 patients. All 55 remaining patients who underwent LAD had significant symptom improvement. Three patients developed complications (5.5%); 2 had cervical emphysemas that were managed conservatively, and 1 experienced postoperative bleeding that required return to the operating room. Mean follow-up was 16 months. Two patients (3.6%) required revision surgery at 1 year postoperatively. There were no mortalities associated with the surgery. LAD remains a safe and effective method for treating ZD. The procedure permits short hospital stays and prompt return to normal oral intake. Results are like those of previously published reports on the endoscopic staple diverticulotomy technique.

Zenker Diverticulum Treatment: Endoscopic or Surgical?

We included 36 patients with Zenker hypopharyngeal diverticulum treated in 2010/2017 in two university clinics: 7 patients by classical surgical approach at the General and Esophageal Surgery Clinic of St. Mary's Hospital Bucharest and 29 patients with endoscopic approach at Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Digestive Endoscopy of the Regional Institute of Hepatology and Gastroenterology Prof Dr Octavian Fodor, Cluj-Napoca. The age of the patients ranged from 42 to 84 years and in the 7th to 15th decade. Results: Cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed in all patients. Diverticullectomy was performed in 7 patients treated surgically. The average hospitalization duration was 4 days. Intra-procedural complications showed 3 patients treated endoscopically and consisted of laminar haemorrhage. Two patients were treated with endoscopic endoscopic hemostasis and hot pens and one patient had endoscopic hemostasis with clips. The post-procedural complications were: local pain, leukocytosis, melena, fever, cervical hematoma. These post-treatment events were seen in 6 patients. The posttreatment morbidity was 16.66%. Conclusions: In patients included in the batch, the endoscopic treatment efficiency was 80%. Peristent postinterventional symptomatology was mainly represented by dysphagia, post-procedural syndrome was associated with dysphagia persistence. Patients with persistent post-surgical symptoms were required to reintervention.

Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum With Endoscopic Stapled Esophago-divertisculostomy (ESD): Analysis of Long-term Outcome.

Endoscopic Zenker diverticulum (ZD) treatment has become quite common because of the low complication rates, reduced procedure time, and shorter hospital stay. Many endoscopic treatments are available including the endoscopic stapled esophago-diverticulostomy (ESD). Many data regarding ESD are available on the short-term outcomes, but few on the long-term ones. From March 1998 to July 2016, 126 patients with ZD were candidate for ESD. Since 2009, 2 stay sutures were routinely positioned at the lateral edges of the septum using Medtronic Endostitch 10 mm suturing device. Demographic and perioperative data, symptoms, and surgical outcomes were recorded. Long-term ESD results were analyzed. An extra-analysis on the surgical outcome was performed comparing patients treated with or without stay sutures. In total, 117 patients successfully underwent ESD. The mean age was 69.9 years with a male predominance. Intraoperative complications occurred in 6.8% of cases. Only 2.6% of the patients reported postoperative complications. For the long-term analysis, we were able to contact 92 patients for a mean period follow-up of 65.3 months. At 6-month outpatient visit 77.68% of patients were completely asymptomatic. In total, 22.3% of the patients needed an extratreatment due to incomplete section of the septum, reaching a success rate of 95.5%. The long-term resolution rate remained high (91.3%). The use of stay sutures did not statistically influence the operative time (22.8 vs. 26.7 min, P=0.070), nor intraoperative and postoperative complication rate, but a statistically significant higher complete resolution rate of symptoms with a single session of ESD was observed respect those treated without (87.3% vs. 65.3%, respectively). ESD is a safe and effective treatment of ZD and it can control symptoms even in a long-term follow-up. In our experience, the use of stay sutures placed with Endostitch increases short and long-term results reducing the need for further treatments.

ZENKER-DIVERTICULUM: DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT

OBJECTIVE. The study determined an optimal method of surgical treatment of Zenker-diverticulum. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The patients (12 men) were examined using X-ray contrasting of the esophagus and fibroesophagoscopy. The planned diverticulectomy from cervical access was performed on all patients. RESULTS. The treatment was without complications and the patients had favorable outcomes and good long-term results. CONCLUSIONS. The open diverticulectomy using cervical access is the operation of choice.

Usefulness of the Hook knife in flexible endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum.

AIMTo investigate the outcome of flexible endoscopic myotomy performed with the Hook knife in patients with symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD).METHODSAll consecutive patients treated for ZD at our institution between 7/2012 and 12/2016 were included. The flexible endoscopic soft diverticuloscope-assisted technique with endoclips placement and Hook knife myotomy were performed in all patients. Here we report a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Demographics, dysphagia score (Dakkak and Bennett), associated symptoms and adverse events were collected pre-procedure, at 2 and 6 mo post-procedure, and at the end of the follow-up period. Clinical success was defined as at least 1-point improvement in dysphagia score and a residual dysphagia score ≤ 1, with no need for reintervention. Dysphagia scores were compared before treatment and at end-of-follow-up using the Wilcoxon test.RESULTSTwenty-four patients were included. Mean size of ZD was 3.0 cm (range 2-8 cm). Mean number of sessions was 1.17/patient (range 1-3 sessions). Overall clinical success was 91.7%. Two adverse events (8.3%) occurred, and both were managed conservatively. No bleeding or perforation was reported. Mild pain was reported by 9 patients (37.5%). Median hospital stay was 1 d (range 1-6). Median follow-up was 19.5 mo (range 6-53). Mean ± SD dysphagia score was 2.25 ± 0.89 before treatment and decreased to 0.41 ± 0.92 at end-of-follow-up (P < 0.001). Regurgitation and cough dropped from 91.7% and 50% to 12.5% and 0% at the end of follow-up, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 3 patients, and all 3 were symptom-free after one more session.CONCLUSIONThe Hook knife, used in the soft diverticuloscope-assisted technique setting, is efficient and safe for treatment of ZD.