Manejo quirúrgico del divertículo de Zenker

Abstract

Background: Zenker's diverticulum represents the most common diverticulum of the esophagus. The standard surgical treatment consists of open cricopharyngeal myotomy with diverticulectomy. In recent years endoscopic treatment has been proposed. objective: We present the surgical experience of this disease in a referral hospital. Method: We reviewed the clinical records of all patients submitted to open surgical treatment for Zenker's diverticulum in a 7-year period. The retrieved information included demographic data, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, surgery findings and postoperative evolution. results: During this period 10 patients were submitted to open surgical treatment; the mean age was 64 (± 8) years and seven of them were male. The main complaint was regurgitation and dysphagia that was present in eight and seven patients respectively. Diagnostic studies included endoscopy (nine patients), esophagogram (six patients) and esophageal manometry (three patients). All underwent open cricopharyngeal myotomy with diverticulectomy. Complications included intraoperative esophageal perforation (one patient) and postoperative esophageal fistula (one patient). Resolution of the symptomatology occurred in 9 patients, the other patient required a new myotomy six months later with good results. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Cricopharyngeal myotomy with diverticulectomy is a safe option for patients with Zenker's diverticulum.