[Zenker's diverticulum: technique and results of endoscopic treatment with Endo-GIA 30 stapler]

The purpose of this project was to analyze the endoscopic management of Zenker diverticulum using an Endo-GIA stapler inserted transorally to perform an oesophageal diverticulostomia.

Between January 97 and December 2006, 30 consecutively treated symptomatic patients (13 men; median age 67 years; range 45-91) with Zenker's diverticulum were enrolled into this retrospective study. Ninety six percent complained about dysphagia with slimming in 33%. The diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum is based on anamnesis and radiological examinations with applied contrast medium of the upper digestive tract.

Twenty-six patients had the endoscopic approach. A patient profited in same time from a resection by external cervical approach following a tearing of the mucous membrane after installation from staled diverticulotomy. Finally 3 patients failed endoscopic exposure. On the 26 patients operated by strict endoscopic treatment, the average duration of intervention was 29 minutes. Overall, an onset of liquid intake on 2.3 postoperative days and the average length of stay was 6 days. Mean follow-up was 40 months. A recurrency was noted in the 2 cases, one was reoperated with the same technique.

This endoscopic technique using an Endo-Gia stapler is an efficient, safe and minimally invasive method for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. With a low rate of morbidity, it is a good technique especially for patients with impaired of health or associated diseases.