Use of a linear stapler in excision of Zenker's diverticulum.

Zenker's diverticulum is an outpouching of the hypopharyngeal wall through a triangular area of weakness in the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. The current treatment of choice is a one-stage diverticulectomy, with or without a cricopharyngeal myotomy. Closure of the esophagus after diverticulectomy by conventional suturing techniques may be somewhat difficult and time consuming.