Abstract

GOMEZ Z, Martín A; ARDILA, Sergio Felipe  and  ARBELAEZ, Víctor. Experience in the treatment of Zenker’s diverticulum: a series of 18 cases. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2011, vol.26, n.2, pp.100-105. ISSN 0120-9957.

Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare pathology that appears in elderly people. To avoid complications from endoscopic procedures and to suitably treat this pathology, it must be identified early. Methods. This retrospective descriptive study shows the experience of our unit in treating this entity from July 2005 to July 2010. Patients who became candidates for treatment were handled either surgically or endoscopically. Both of these techniques are described in detail. Results. Altogether 18 patients were included. Initial diagnoses were by upper digestive tract endoscopy. The 13 male patients (72%) had an average age of 70.5 years. In 67% of the patients the main symptom was dysphagia. There were incidental endoscopic findings in 17% of the patients. Nine patients had endoscopic diverticulectomies, six rejected all treatment, and three were treated surgically. Conclusion. In conclusion, Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare pathological entity that does not necessarily require treatment. With increased experience in therapeutic endoscopy, and the accessories now available, endoscopic diverticulectomy has become a very good option, with a low rate of complications, for treatment of these patients.

Keywords : Diverticulum; Zenker’s diverticulum; endoscopy; dysphagia.

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