Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum: Evaluation of treatment results

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative outcome of patients with pharyngoesophageal diverticulum submitted to surgical and endoscopic treatments. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 36 patients with pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum treated at the Hospital of the Medical School of Botucatu - UNESP. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on the treatment: group 1 (n = 24): diverticulectomy associated myotomy through a left cervicotomy; group 2 (n = 12): endoscopic diverticulostomy with linear stapler. Results: Operative mortality was zero in both groups. Early complications: group 1-two patients developed cervical fistula and two, hoarseness; group 2 - none. Late complications: group 1 - none; group 2: recurrence of dysphagia in four patients (p =.01). Mean follow-up was 33 months for group 1 and 28 months for group 2. Conclusion: Both procedures were effective in remission of dysphagia. Surgical treatment showed superiority to endoscopy, with resolution of dysphagia with a single procedure. Endoscopic treatment should be reserved for the elderly and those with comorbidities.