[Endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum].
BACKGROUND
We report our experience in the endoscopic (flexible) treatment of Zenker's diverticulum.


METHODS
Three patients with medium-sized Zenker's diverticula were treated by endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy with a modified needle-knife sphincterotome through a therapeutic gastroscope. The procedure was performed in the digestive endoscopy unit under conscious sedation without anesthetic support.


RESULTS
Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy was completed in a single session without immediate or late complications. In all three patients dysphagia disappeared and all were discharged at 48 hours with a solid diet. After 12, 18 and 17 months of follow-up there has been no recurrence of dysphagia or other symptoms attributable to Zenker's diverticulum.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy is a simple, effective and safe treatment of Zenker's diverticulum that avoids the need for open cervical surgery and general anesthesia.
de la Morena
Emilio
E
Unidad de Endoscopia Digestiva, Hospital de la Zarzuela, Madrid, Spain. medicinainterna.hlz@sanitas.es
Pérez-Arellano
Elena
E
Carreño
Ramiro
R
Tomás
Esperanza
E
González-Lama
Yago
Y
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000601:surgery*