Long-term outcome of operated and unoperated epiphrenic diverticula

The natural history of esophageal epiphrenic diverticula (ED) is not entirely clear; the decision whether to operate or not is often based on the personal preference of the physician and patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term fate of operated and unoperated patients with ED.

Clinical, radiological, and motility findings, and operative morbidity and long-term outcome of 41 patients with ED (January 1993 to December 2005) were analyzed. All patients were reviewed at the outpatient clinic or interviewed over the phone. A symptom score was calculated using a standard questionnaire and subjective patient assessment. The radiological maximum diameter of the ED was measured.

Twenty-two patients (12M:10F; median age, 60 years) were operated. One underwent surgery for spontaneous rupture of a large diverticulum. Operative mortality was nil; postoperative morbidity was 22.7%, the most severe complication being suture leakage (4 patients, all managed conservatively); median follow-up was 53 months. Nineteen patients (9M, 10F; median age 70 years) were not operated: 3 received pneumatic dilations; median follow-up was 46 months. None of the patients in either group died for reasons related to their ED. Symptoms decreased in all operated patients and, to a lesser extent, also in unoperated patients. ED recurrence was observed in one operated patient. Four patients had GERD symptoms with esophagitis and/or positive pH-metry after surgery and 3 patients had persistent dysphagia/regurgitation and were dissatisfied with the outcome of surgery.

Surgery is an effective treatment for ED, but carries a significant morbidity related mainly to suture leakage. Even in the long-term, unoperated patients do not die of their ED, though a better subjective symptom outcome is reported by operated patients. A non-interventional policy can safely be adopted in cases of small, mildly symptomatic ED.