Thomas R McLean1, Chris C Haller. 1. Department of Surgery, EKVAHCS, 4104 S Fourth Street Trafficway, Leavenworth, KS 66048, USA. Thomas.McLean@med.va.gov
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few surgeons have extensive experience with the operative management of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). METHODS: Retrospective review of stapled diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy (SDM) for ZD. All procedures were performed by midlevel surgery residents supervised by single board-certified surgeon. A drain was not used, and patients were liberally advanced to a regular diet postoperatively. RESULTS: Three patients with ZD underwent this procedure during a 6-year period. The mean age of the patients was 81 years, and all had multiple comorbidities. Time to discharge was less than 48 hours in 2 patients and 5 days in 1 patient who developed new atrial fibrillation. There were no deaths or clinical leaks. At a mean follow-up of 33 (range 6-62) months, 1 patient died of an unrelated cause, and the other 2 are free of esophageal-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: SDM for ZD is a safe and effective operation that is easily taught to surgical residents.
BACKGROUND: Few surgeons have extensive experience with the operative management of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). METHODS: Retrospective review of stapled diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy (SDM) for ZD. All procedures were performed by midlevel surgery residents supervised by single board-certified surgeon. A drain was not used, and patients were liberally advanced to a regular diet postoperatively. RESULTS: Three patients with ZD underwent this procedure during a 6-year period. The mean age of the patients was 81 years, and all had multiple comorbidities. Time to discharge was less than 48 hours in 2 patients and 5 days in 1 patient who developed new atrial fibrillation. There were no deaths or clinical leaks. At a mean follow-up of 33 (range 6-62) months, 1 patient died of an unrelated cause, and the other 2 are free of esophageal-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: SDM for ZD is a safe and effective operation that is easily taught to surgical residents.