Abstract
Background and Study Aims: In the past, a number of treatment modalities have been used for the management of
a Zenker's diverticulum. These include transcervical diverticulectomy, myotomy, or
laser or diathermy treatment via rigid endoscopes. Up to the present, no reports of
the treatment of a Zenker's diverticulum with a flexible endoscope have been published.
Patients and Methods: In this study, we present the results of our first 20 patients (13 male; mean age
82 years) prospectively treated with a flexible endoscope applied through diathermy.
All patients had significant symptoms such as dysphagia, recurrent aspiration pneumonia
and/or weight loss.
Results: Treatment using a mean of three sessions per patient was successful, with a good
symptomatic response in all subjects. There were no severe complicatins associated
with the therapy. Four patients complained about a sore throat for a few days. During
follow-up (mean 6-7 months), three patients died due to unrelated causes, and 17 remained
asymptomatic.
Conclusions: An important advantage is that it is possible to perform the treatment without general
anesthesia, and therefore also in patients whose general health is poor. The technique
can easily be performed in an interventional endoscopy unit. Our first experiences
show that flexible endoscopic treatment is an effective and relatively safe method.
