Microendoscopic surgery of the hypopharyngeal pouch with the CO2 laser

In 1964 we started to treat hypopharyngeal (Zenker's) diverticula endoscopically, using the procedure described by Dohlman. With the increase in the number of patients (350), the technique and the instruments used have improved. This paper describes the technique, which involves exposure of the tissue bridge between esophagus and diverticulum with the aid of a specially designed scope and subsequent severance with the CO2 laser of this bridge under microscopic control. The use of an operating microscope and the laser is a great improvement in endoscopic treatment of hypopharyngeal diverticula.