The Plication Technique to Enhance the Endoscopic Approach to Zenker's Diverticulum

Endoscopic stapler approaches to Zenker's diverticulum often yield a persistent diverticulum and recurrent dysphagia up to 20%. A novel technique to reduce the postoperative diverticulum is described. Eight consecutive patients with Zenker's diverticulum who underwent endoscopic stapler diverticulotomy had adjunctive endoscopic plication of the diverticulum wall to functionally reduce the residual diverticulum size. On postoperative esophagram, there was no visible diverticulum in 4 of 7 patients (57%). The remaining 3 patients had a reduction in common wall of 76%, 50%, and 40% with a mean postoperative size of 1.0 cm. All patients had resolution or significant improvement in dysphagia. There were no complications or recurrences at a mean follow-up of 6.3 months. As an adjunct to endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum, the plication technique can reduce diverticulum size. Further studies will determine if the plication technique affects long-term recurrence of endoscopic stapler approaches.