title: Endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy versus open surgical approach in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate the results of endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy and the transcervical approach in treating Zenker's diverticulum.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective clinical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Results of 155 cases after endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy and the transcervical approach were retrospectively compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Primary treatment consisted of endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy in 65.2%, and 34.8% were treated by a transcervical approach. Average follow-up time was 61.8 months. Surgical time, duration of hospitalization, and occurrence of minor complications were significantly lower after endoscopic approach. Recurrence rate showed a statistically significant difference in favor of open approach. Including the recurrences, 38.7% could be cured only by transcervical techniques. Patient perception of success was found to be similar for the compared treatment modalities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic approach proved to be the treatment of first choice. However, the fact that open techniques were necessary in nearly 40% of our cases suggests that this operative technique retains a substantial role in treatment of this disease.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen, Nuremberg Medical School, Erlangen, Germany.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Koch
authors: Konstantinos
authors: K
authors: Mantsopoulos
authors: Stylianos
authors: S
authors: Velegrakis
authors: Heinrich
authors: H
authors: Iro
authors: Johannes
authors: J
authors: Zenk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*