[Laser diverticulotomy in hypopharyngeal diverticulum (Zenker's diverticulum)]

From 1992 until 1995 the Ear, Nose and Throat Department at the National Hospital investigated 29 patients and completed treatment of 28 patients with a hypopharyngeal diverticulum. A myotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle was performed endoscopically using CO2 laser. One patient developed mediastinitis as a result of perforation during initial hypopharyngoscopy. Most of the patients reported improvement of the dysphagia. The advantages of this method are a shortened stay in hospital and less morbidity. In addition, the operation can be performed in elderly patients with other complicating diseases. This paper describes the surgical technique and the results.