[Epiphrenic diverticula: when and how to operate?].

The majority of epiphrenic diverticula arise due to a peristaltic mechanism caused by an oesophageal motor disturbance that establishes a barrier effect and causes mucosal and submucosal herniation through a weak point in the muscular layer. Intraluminal oesophageal manometry and video-radiology are important in assessing these patients, since they define the characteristics of the functional disorder, as well as the true relationship between the symptoms of the patient and the diverticulum. Surgical treatment is indicated in symptomatic patients, more so if there are respiratory complications. Left posterolateral thoracotomy followed by diverticulotomy, oesophageal cardiomyotomy and anti-reflux have been considered the surgery technique of choice. Oesophageal myotomy must go beyond, in a proximal direction, the neck of the diverticulum, and, in a distal direction, must progress 1-2 cm into the gastric wall. The laparoscopic approach has won many followers since it has been shown to be both safe and effective as open surgery, adding to the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.