Endoscopic Treatment of the Zenker Diverticulum With Flexible Endoscopic Myotomy: A Single Tertiary Center Experience.

Introduction: The Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is the most common type of esophageal diverticula. Management of ZD has different options; however, there is a recent increase in treatment with flexible endoscopic myotomy (FEM). In our study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of FEM among patients with ZD.

Materials And Methods: The data of patients who underwent FEM for ZD in our clinic between January 2008 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Myotomy was performed with a needle-knife sphincterotome by using pulse-cut or forced coagulation electrocautery mode. Myotomy was performed on the common wall of the diverticulum up to 0.5 to 1 cm of the distal end. A handmade diverticuloscope, which was modified from an overtube, was used in most of the patients to focus more carefully on the septum. Dysphagia scores of the patients before and after the procedure were compared and complications were evaluated.

Results: A total of 17 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 65.3 years, and mean diverticular diameter was 3.2 cm. The most common symptoms were dysphagia and regurgitation. The mean in-hospital stay was 5 days. The dysphagia score was significantly decreased after FEM among the patients (0.17±0.39 vs. 2±0.79; P=0.0001). Complications were observed in 3 patients (17.6%); however, there was no procedure-related mortality.

Discussion: FEM is an efficient and safe procedure as a treatment modality for ZD. However, lack of a standard algorithm is a remarkable disadvantage.