Endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum.

Background: The most important aspect of the surgical management of Zenker's diverticulum is probably the cricopharyngeal myotomy. Endoscopic diverticulotomy can be performed with a needle-knife papillotome, which allows simultaneous myotomy of the upper esophageal sphincter.

Methods: Since 1978, 47 patients (28 men and 19 women 51 to 81 years of age) underwent endoscopic diverticulotomy. Most patients underwent more than one treatment session (mean value 2.2). The procedure was performed with sedation. Tubes were not used, and oral intake of food was begun the first day after the operation.

Results: Forty-five (95.74%) patients had no dysphagia or only occasional, mild dysphagia during the postoperative course. No fistula, no recurrent laryngeal paralysis, and no deaths occurred.

Conclusion: Endoscopic diverticulotomy seems to be a good choice of therapy at least for patients with associated diseases that increase surgical risk.