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[Laparoscopic transhiatal approach to epiphrenic esophageal diverticula]
Introduction:
The operative treatment for epiphrenic diverticula is usually performed via thoracotomy or laparotomy.
Patients And Methods:
Alternatively we describe the feasibility of a laparoscopic transhiatal approach in three consecutive symptomatic patients with four epiphrenic diverticula. In all cases, the diverticula were completely resected laparoscopically in combination with an esophagomyotomy and a posterior partial fundoplication.
Results:
The three patients showed uneventful postoperative courses with a speedy recovery and are symptom-free after a follow-up of 22-41 months.
Conclusion:
Our results demonstrate that laparoscopic transhiatal procedure in patients with symptomatic epiphrenic diverticula can be performed safely, effectively, and gently.