Functional results in endoscopic Zenker's diverticulum surgery

Time Spent Away from Bed to Maintain Swallowing Function in Older Adults

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the associations of time spent away from bed with whole-body muscle mass and swallowing function in older adults with low activities of daily living (ADL).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Tokyo Medical and Dental University and included adults over 65 years of age who underwent a medical intervention at their residence. Data regarding age, sex, body height and weight, activity status, medical history, time spent away from bed, and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) were collected. We calculated the body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, whole-body muscle mass, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and the trunk muscle mass index (TMI). According to the time spent away from bed, the subjects were grouped as follows: <4 but ≥0 h (S), <6 but ≥4 h (M), and ≥6 h (L). These variables were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the χ2 test, then differences among the three groups were examined. To adjust for confounding factors, we performed multiple regression analysis with ASMI and TMI as the dependent variables and ordinal logistic regression analysis with FOIS as the objective variable.

RESULTS

Ninety subjects (male: n = 42; female: n = 48; mean age = 82.9 ± 8.8 years, and groups S: n = 23; M: n = 30; L: n = 37) were analyzed. Group L had a significantly higher ASMI, TMI, and FOIS score than groups S and M, while group M had a significantly higher ASMI and FOIS score than group S. After adjusting for confounding factors, the significant explanatory factors for ASMI were sex, activity status, time spent away from bed, and TMI. The factors for TMI were activity status, time spent away from bed, ASMI, and FOIS. The factors for FOIS were time spent away from bed and TMI.

CONCLUSION

Spending 4 or more hours away from the bed is related to appendicular skeletal muscle mass and FOIS, while spending 6 or more hours is related to appendicular skeletal muscle mass, trunk muscle mass, and FOIS in this population. These findings highlight factors that can prevent a decline in swallowing function in the daily life of older adults with low ADL who have difficulty performing exercises to preserve swallowing function.

Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy, or flexible or rigid septotomy for Zenker's diverticulum: a multicenter retrospective comparison

BACKGROUND

Treatment of Zenker's diverticulum has evolved from open surgery to endoscopic techniques, including flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy, and more recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM). This study compared the effectiveness of flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy with that of Z-POEM.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic septotomy (flexible/rigid) or Z-POEM for Zenker's diverticulum between 1/2016 and 9/2019 were included. Primary outcomes were clinical success (decrease in Dakkak and Bennett dysphagia score to ≤ 1), clinical failure, and clinical recurrence. Secondary outcomes included technical success and rate/severity of adverse events.

RESULTS

245 patients (110 females, mean age 72.63 years, standard deviation [SD] 12.37 years) from 12 centers were included. Z-POEM was the most common management modality (n = 119), followed by flexible (n = 86) and rigid (n = 40) endoscopic septotomy. Clinical success was 92.7 % for Z-POEM, 89.2 % for rigid septotomy, and 86.7 % for flexible septotomy (P = 0.26). Symptoms recurred in 24 patients (15 Z-POEM during a mean follow-up of 282.04 [SD 300.48] days, 6 flexible, 3 rigid [P = 0.47]). Adverse events occurred in 30.0 % rigid septotomy patients, 16.8 % Z-POEM patients, and 2.3 % flexible septotomy patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in outcomes between the three treatment approaches for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum. Rigid endoscopic septotomy was associated with the highest rate of complications, while flexible endoscopic septotomy appeared to be the safest. Recurrence following Z-POEM was similar to flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Results of laser surgery in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum

INTRODUCTION

Zenker's diverticulum is an uncommon pathology of the upper oesophageal sphincter whose most frequent symptoms are the association of dysphagia and regurgitation. It is more frequent in advanced ages, and its treatment of choice is surgery in symptomatic cases.

METHOD

A retrospective descriptive study was performed of 27 patients operated in the Otorhinolaryngology service of the Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes between 2007 and 2019 using laser endoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

27 patients were operated, 70.4% male and 29.6% female, with a mean age of 67 years (range between 30 and 91). The most frequent symptom at diagnosis was dysphagia. No intraoperative complications were observed. One patient (3.7%) presented post-surgical fever, and another patient (3.7%) had a serious complication due to oesophageal perforation secondary to postsurgical emesis. The median hospital stay was 5 days, and the median oral intake was 4 days. Recurrence was observed in 6 patients (22.2%), 4 (14.8%) requiring a second intervention, which was performed using the same technique.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum has advanced in recent decades, with endoscopic treatment currently being the choice. Among the surgical options, endoscopic CO2 laser surgery is an effective and safe alternative, although possible complications must be considered. It is also an effective alternative for the treatment of recurrences.

Higher Activity and Quality of Life Correlates with Swallowing Function in Older Adults with Low Activities of Daily Living

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship among swallowing function, activity, and quality of life (QOL) in older adults with low activities of daily living (ADL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study. In total, 271 Japanese adults aged over 65 years who underwent medical intervention at their residence (male: n = 107; female: n = 164; mean age = 84.6 ± 8.3 years) participated. We collected data regarding age, sex, body mass index (BMI), residence (their house/nursing home), activity status, consciousness level (eye response), history of aspiration pneumonia, other medical history, number of medication types, frequency of going out, and time spent away from bed. We judged consciousness level (eye response) using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), calculated the Charlson comorbidity index, measured QOL using the short version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Dementia (short QOL-D), and assessed swallowing function using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). To examine the relationship between scores for the FOIS and the other variables, we used the Spearman rank correlation coefficient and ordinal logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The FOIS was strongly correlated with BMI (ρ = 0.47), activity status (ρ = -0.60), GCS (ρ = -0.41), time spent away from bed (ρ = 0.56), scores for the short QOL-D (ρ = 0.40), weakly correlated with history of aspiration pneumonia (ρ = -0.27), and frequency of going out (ρ = 0.39). Results for the ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that the FOIS was associated with activity status, frequency of going out, time spent away from bed, and scores for the short QOL-D.

CONCLUSION

The swallowing function of older adults with low ADL was related to their QOL and activities, such as time spent away from bed and home. Thus, in rehabilitation programs for swallowing function in older adults, not only functional but also psychological approaches may prove effective.

[Transaxillary minimally invasive Zenker's diverticulectomy]

We evaluated the possibility and effectiveness of transaxillary gas-free approach for minimally invasive Zenker's diverticulectomy. A 64-year-old patient with large Zenker's diverticulum (6 cm) and pathognomonic symptoms is presented. Transaxillary gas-free minimally invasive diverticulectomy was performed using an endoscopic linear stapler. Surgery time was 137 min. There were not any postoperative complications including recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. X-ray examination after 2 postoperative days revealed no signs of anastomotic leakage, so the patient was allowed to drink and consume liquid food from the 3rd day. Patient was discharged on the 7th day. Minimally invasive surgical technology ensures effective and radical transaxillary diverticulectomy in patients with Zenker's diverticulum. The advantages of this method are good and detailed exposition of surgical field, including recurrent laryngeal nerve, more precise and less invasive manipulations and better cosmetic effect. The method may be an alternative to traditional and endoscopic diverticulectomy for a certain group of patients. However, experience accumulation and further prospective studies are required.

Results of laser surgery in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum

INTRODUCTION

Zenker's diverticulum is an uncommon pathology of the upper oesophageal sphincter whose most frequent symptoms are the association of dysphagia and regurgitation. It is more frequent in advanced ages, and its treatment of choice is surgery in symptomatic cases.

METHOD

A retrospective descriptive study was performed of 27 patients operated in the Otorhinolaryngology service of the Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes between 2007 and 2019 using laser endoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

27 patients were operated, 70.4% male and 29.6% female, with a mean age of 67 years (range between 30 and 91). The most frequent symptom at diagnosis was dysphagia. No intraoperative complications were observed. One patient (3.7%) presented post-surgical fever, and another patient (3.7%) had a serious complication due to oesophageal perforation secondary to postsurgical emesis. The median hospital stay was 5 days, and the median oral intake was 4 days. Recurrence was observed in 6 patients (22.2%), 4 (14.8%) requiring a second intervention, which was performed using the same technique.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum has advanced in recent decades, with endoscopic treatment currently being the choice. Among the surgical options, endoscopic CO2 laser surgery is an effective and safe alternative, although possible complications must be considered. It is also an effective alternative for the treatment of recurrences.

Pressure abnormalities in patients with Zenker's diverticulum using pharyngeal high-resolution manometry

OBJECTIVES

Zenker's diverticulum is associated with reduced cricopharyngeal compliance and abnormal intrabolus pressure. However, it is unclear how the pharynx compensates for these deficits. Developments in manometric technology have improved our ability to capture pharyngeal pressure events. This study aims to describe the pharyngeal-upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure profile during swallowing in patients with Zenker's diverticulum.

METHODS

High-resolution manometry was performed on 11 patients with symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum and 11 age- and sex-matched healthy controls during 10 mL liquid swallowing tasks. Pharyngeal and UES pressure magnitudes, durations, and integrals were compared between patients and controls using independent t tests. Other manometric parameters, including residual UES pressure at the time of maximum tongue base pressure and pharyngeal-UES pressure gradient, were also evaluated. A case example using three-dimensional high-resolution manometry is presented.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, patients with Zenker's diverticulum exhibited pressure abnormalities in the UES region. While baseline and pre-opening maximum pressures were not different, residual pressures were elevated (P = .001). Pharyngeal-UES pressure gradients did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This study used high-resolution manometry to characterize pharyngeal pressure dynamics in patients with Zenker's diverticulum. The changes occurring at the cricopharyngeus appear to result in persistent UES pressurization during UES opening, rather than high tonic resting pressure. Pharyngeal-UES pressure gradients, critical to bolus passage, were also preserved in this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b.

Is nasogastric tube feeding necessary after hypopharyngeal diverticulum surgery?

OBJECTIVES

Nasogastric tubes (NGT) are often placed after surgery for cricopharyngeal muscle pathology due to risk of infection and mediastinitis. The aim of this study was to examine if this practice is necessary.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of subjects who underwent surgery for hypopharyngeal diverticula or cricopharyngeal bars from March 2011 to June 2018 was conducted. Demographic data, type of surgery, placement of feeding tube, initiation of oral feeding, and any complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-four surgeries were performed for Zenker's diverticula (ZD; N = 52), Killian-Jamieson diverticula (N = 2), and cricopharyngeal bar (N = 10). Mean age and ZD pouch size were 74.0 ± 10.6 years and 3.1 ± 1.8 cm, respectively. Procedures included 48 carbon dioxide laser-assisted myotomies, 14 open diverticulectomies, and 2 endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomies. Of the 64 patients, 19 (29.7%) received intraoperative NGTs while the remaining 45 (70.3%) did not receive NGTs. The former cohort had the NGTs removed on post-operative day (POD) 4.5 ± 2.5, and the non-NGT cohort started clear liquid diet (CLD) on POD 1.2 ± 0.7 days, where 38 patients (84.4%) started CLD on POD 1, and 5 patients (7.8%) were started on oral diet on POD 2-4. Over time, fewer NGTs were placed and oral diets were started sooner. There were 5 complications occurring in 3 patients from the NGT cohort (15.5%) and 2 from the non-NGT cohort (4.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for hypopharyngeal diverticula and CPB may not require routine perioperative NGT placement which can be associated with higher rates of complication. Patients can safely receive CLD on POD 1.

Adverse Events after Rigid and Flexible Endoscopic Repair of Zenker’s Diverticula: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

To determine adverse events after endoscopic flexible vs endoscopic rigid cricopharyngeal myotomy for treatment of Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD).

Data Sources

Systematic review of MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all years according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional studies were identified from review citations and a by hand search of manuscripts referencing ZD.

Review Methods

A structured literature search was conducted to identify studies for this systematic review. Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria were applied to assess study quality. For inclusion, each study had to provide data for at least 10 adult patients who had undergone endoscopic ZD repair reporting clear association with the postprocedure course in each case. Data extracted included all reported adverse events, recurrences, follow-up, and operative times.

Results

In total, 115 studies were included. All but 8 were retrospective case series. Sixty-one reported series of patients after rigid endoscopic stapler repair, 31 after rigid laser repair, and 13 with other rigid endoscopic instruments. Twenty-nine flexible endoscopic studies were included. Mortality, infection, and perforation were not significantly more likely in either the rigid or the flexible group, but bleeding and recurrence were more likely after flexible endoscopic techniques (20% vs <10% and 4% vs 0%, respectively). Dental injury and vocal fold palsy were reported rarely in the rigid endoscopic groups.

Conclusions

Adverse events are rare after endoscopic Zenker’s repair. The flexible approach minimizes exposure limitations and can be completed in some patients without general anesthesia. Transoral rigid approaches result in fewer revision surgeries compared with flexible diverticulotomy.

New and emerging techniques for endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum: State-of-the-art review

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), or pharyngeal pouch, is an anatomical defect characterized by herniation of the posterior pharyngeal wall through Killian's dehiscence, and may result in dysphagia and regurgitation. Multiple therapeutic modalities including surgery, rigid and flexible endoscopy have been developed to manage ZD. Although surgical management with open and endoscopically assisted techniques have historically been the mainstay of ZD treatment, minimally invasive flexible endoscopic techniques, carried out under conscious sedation, are increasingly favored. Over the last two decades, the advent of new accessories and techniques have changed the landscape of endotherapy for ZD, with the current armamentarium including, but not limited to, endoscopic stapling, CO₂ laser, argon plasma coagulation, needle knife, bipolar forceps, hook knife, clutch cutter, stag beetle knife, and submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division. We hereby review the latest evidence to support the endoscopic management of ZD.

Simulation of KTP Laser-Based Zenker Diverticulotomy with a Porcine Model and Laryngeal Dissection Station

Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare cause of progressive dysphagia that is treated surgically. Potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser–based diverticulotomy is one effective treatment. Developing a simulation model is helpful for rare conditions. Pigs have a natural hypopharyngeal pouch similar to a diverticulum. We present a model for performing rigid endoscopic KTP laser diverticulotomy in a porcine model with a laryngeal dissection station. Eleven pigs were examined to confirm presence of the hypopharyngeal pouch. A specimen was mounted on the modified laryngeal dissection station, and a KTP laser–based diverticulotomy was performed. Novel aspects include use of the laryngeal dissection station and application of the model for simulating rigid endoscopic KTP laser diverticulotomy. This model allows trainees to practice equipment setup, positioning of the laryngoscope to isolate the cricopharyngeal bar, tissue handling, laser safety techniques, and use of the KTP laser through the laryngoscope under microscopic visualization.