Evolving Options in Management of Minimally Invasive Diverticular Disease: A Single Surgeon's Experience and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Esophageal thoracic diverticular disease is a rare condition resulting from multiple etiologies. Surgical management is recommended when symptomatic. Traditionally, a thoracotomy was considered the standard approach; however, the use of minimally invasive approaches has been associated with improved outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon's experience with minimally invasive esophageal diverticulectomy. Results: Fifteen patients with symptomatic esophageal diverticular disease underwent minimally invasive diverticulectomy between 2005 and 2018. Most patients (86.7%) had epiphrenic diverticula and 53.3% underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery approach. All patients had a diverticulectomy, while 14 patients (93.3%) also had an esophageal myotomy. Three patients (20%) underwent an extended myotomy, 4 patients (26.7%) underwent a concomitant fundoplication, and 2 patients (13.3%) underwent a concomitant paraesophageal hernia repair. Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-16 days). There were no mortalities. Two patients (13.3%) were readmitted with delayed esophageal leaks. Median follow-up was 10.7 months (range, 10 days to 6.3 years). One patient presented with recurrent disease 5 years after his initial operation. Conclusions: In experienced hands, a minimally invasive diverticulectomy is safe, effective, and associated with excellent patient outcomes. A minimally invasive approach should be performed when possible and should be tailored to the individual patient's disease and preoperative workup.