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Zenker's diverticulum in the elderly: is operation justified?
D G Crescenzo1, V F Trastek, M S Allen
1Section of General Thoracic Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 2, 1998
Summary
Surgical correction of symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum is safe and effective in elderly patients. This procedure resolves symptoms and improves quality of life for most patients, even those with significant comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Zenker's diverticulum is a condition that affects the esophagus.
- Surgical correction is effective but often avoided in elderly patients due to perceived risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical intervention for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum in elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 75 elderly patients (median age 79) with Zenker's diverticulum over two decades.
- Analysis of preoperative symptoms, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, complications, and long-term outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 75 patients with a median age of 79. Common symptoms were dysphagia and regurgitation. Surgical procedures included diverticulectomy and myotomy in 76% of cases. No in-hospital mortality occurred, with an 11% complication rate. 88% of patients were asymptomatic at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum in the elderly is a safe and effective option.
- The procedure leads to symptom resolution and improved quality of life in the majority of elderly patients.