[Microsurgical laser treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Economic aspects]

Zenker's diverticulum (hypopharyngeal/proximal oesophageal diverticulum/pouch) is a relatively uncommon cause of dysphagia usually in elderly patients. We describe the results of the first 10 patients operated for ZD with micro-endoscopic laserdiverticulotomy (LD), where the "spur" between the diverticulum and oesophagus is coagulated by means of a CO2 laser in our department. The results are compared with the results of the last nine patients operated with conventional diverticulectomy (DE) via incision on the neck. Two patients in the DE group had complications (wound infection and pneumonia), whereas no complications were seen in the LD group. An initially good result was seen in all the patients in both groups. Symptoms recurred in 11% in the DE group (one patient), whereas this was seen in 20% of the patients in the LD group (two patients). Re-operation of these two patients in the LD group relieved the patients of symptoms, but one patient was re-operated twice before this was achieved. Surgery time was reduced by 64%. Hospitalization time was shortened from a median of 16 (9-28) days with DE to 4 (0-9) days in the LD group. These factors represent a substantial economic saving by using LD as compared to DE. To be able to evaluate the result of LD roentgenographically, it has proven necessary to produce a pure lateral view of the diverticulum both pre- and post-operatively. The size and shape of the diverticulum is mostly seen as unchanged following surgery. With a pure lateral projection, it is however possible to see how the spur between the oesophagus and the diverticulum is diminished with resulting enhanced passage of contrast and practically no retention.