title: [Laparoscopic transhiatal approach to epiphrenic esophageal diverticula].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The operative treatment for epiphrenic diverticula is usually performed via thoracotomy or laparotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Alternatively we describe the feasibility of a laparoscopic transhiatal approach in three consecutive symptomatic patients with four epiphrenic diverticula. In all cases, the diverticula were completely resected laparoscopically in combination with an esophagomyotomy and a posterior partial fundoplication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The three patients showed uneventful postoperative courses with a speedy recovery and are symptom-free after a follow-up of 22-41 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results demonstrate that laparoscopic transhiatal procedure in patients with symptomatic epiphrenic diverticula can be performed safely, effectively, and gently.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. roland.raakow@charite.de
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Raakow
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Neuhaus
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004936:Diverticulum, Esophageal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018662:Fundoplication; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors