Endoscopic staple diverticulostomy for Zenker's diverticulum: review of experience in 337 cases

Surgical Outcomes in Zenker Diverticula: A Multicenter, Prospective, Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROM) in persons undergoing endoscopic and open surgical management of Zenker diverticula (ZD).

METHODOLOGY

Prospective, multicenter cohort study of all individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative who underwent surgery for ZD. Patient survey, radiography reports, and the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) pre- and post-procedure were abstracted from a REDCap database, which summarized means, medians, percentages, and frequencies of. Outcome based on operative intervention (endoscopic vs. open) was compared using t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test or chi-square test, as appropriate.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-seven persons were prospectively followed. The mean age (SD) of the cohort was 68.7 (11.0). Overall, 66% of patients reported 100% improvement in EAT-10; 81% of patients had greater than 75% improvement; and 88% had greater than 50% improvement. Endoscopic was used for n = 109 patients, and open surgical intervention was used for n = 38. The median [interquartile range, IQR] EAT-10 percent improvement for endoscopic treatment was 93.3% [72, 100], and open was 100% [92.3, 100] (p = 0.05). The incidence of intraoperative complications was 3.7% for endoscopic and 7.9% for open surgical management. The median [IQR] in follow-up was 86 and 97.5 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both endoscopic and open surgical management of ZD provide significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes. The data suggest that open diverticulectomy may provide a modest advantage in symptomatic improvement compared to endoscopic management. The data suggest that the postoperative complication rate is higher in the open surgical group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:97-102, 2024.

A cooperative approach for treatment of Zenker's diverticulum

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum management has evolved from an open intervention to an endoscopic management. At our center, both an otolaryngologist and a gastroenterologist are present in the operating room when treating these lesions. An intra-procedural consensus is reached to undergo either rigid endoscopy or flexible endoscopic diverticulotomy with ENT guidance. We evaluated the real-world efficacy with a cooperative gastroenterology-otolaryngology approach.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent a cooperative endoscopic diverticulotomy by a gastroenterologist and otolaryngologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida between 2012 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data, intra-procedural findings/complications, post-procedural symptoms, recurrence rate, and reintervention variables were extracted. Patients included in the study were > 17 years old, with symptomatic confirmed typical single Zenker's diverticulum.

RESULTS

63 subjects were identified. Patients were predominantly males (63.5%) and white (84.1%), with mean age 73.5 years (53-95). Most subjects presented dysphagia (98.4%), mostly to solids (79.4%). Other demographic and clinical data are described in Table 1. The diverticula had a mean size of 36.3 mm. In 30.1% of the cases food debris was found during the procedure. The mean procedure length was 38.4 minutes. All cases were performed as outpatient. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Patients were followed for a mean of 3.24 months post-procedure. Clinical success was achieved in 92% subjects. One intra-procedural perforation was treated with endoclip. Table 1 Pre-procedural demographic and clinical variables in patients undergoing Zenker's diverticulum cooperative approach Variable Value (n = 63) Sex, n (%)  Male  Female 40 (63.5) 23 (36.5) Ethnicity/Race, n (%)  Non-Hispanic White  Hispanic  Black 53 (84.1) 7 (11.1) 3 (4.8) Smoking status, n (%)  Never  Former  Active 29 (46.0) 26 (41.3) 8 (10.7) Previous intervention for Zenker's diverticulum, n (%) 12 (19.1) Dysphagia, n (%)  Only to solids  Only to liquids  Both solids and liquids 50 (79.4) 0 (0) 12 (19.0) Regurgitation of food, n (%)  Chronic cough, n (%) 13 (20.6)  Halitosis, n (%) 9 (14.3) CONCLUSION: A cooperative endoscopic approach by gastroenterology and otolaryngology for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum management offered excellent technical and clinical success. This approach proved to be safe and effective.

Foregut Diverticula

Diverticular disease can present anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can result from various pathologies such as abnormal contraction within the GI tract or inflammation causing scar tissue and the resulting forces surrounding the GI tract. Its clinical presentation can vary from asymptomatic to severe symptoms, with significant decrease in quality of life. The treatment for various diverticula along the GI tract can also vary, depending on the severity of symptoms. This article describes diverticular disease occurring within the foregut, with emphasis on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment.

Endoscopic Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum: Comparable Treatment Outcomes in Treatment-Naïve and Pretreated Patients

Background and Aims

Flexible endoscopic treatment plays an important role in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). This study analyzes long-term symptom control and the rate of adverse events in treatment-naïve patients and patients with recurrence, using the stag beetle knife junior (sb knife jr).

Methods

From August 2013 to May 2019, 100 patients with symptomatic ZD were treated with flexible endoscopy using the sb knife jr. Before treatment, as well as 1 and 6 months afterwards, symptoms were obtained by a nine-point questionnaire, with symptoms weighted from 0 to 4.

Results

Overall, 126 interventions were performed. The median follow-up period was 41 months (range 7-74). For the three most frequent symptoms, regurgitation, dysphagia, and dry cough, a significant reduction of the mean score could be achieved, from 2.85/3.45/2.85 before the initial treatment to 0.56/1.09/0.98 6 months later. 17 patients were retreated because of recurrence. Out of these, 12 patients underwent a 2^nd, 4 patients a 3^rd, and 1 patient a 4^th session, respectively. The mean dysphagia score for successfully treated patients could be reduced from initially 2.34 to 0.49/0.33/0.67 after the 1^st/2^nd/3^rd session, the frequency of dysphagia from 3.45 to 0.92/1.00/1.33, and the score for regurgitations from 2.85 to 0.35/1.00/0.67. In first-line treatment, as well as in retreatment, no severe adverse event occurred.

Conclusion

Patients with ZD can be treated safely and effectively with the sb knife jr. Retreatment leads to equal symptom relief as compared to a successful first-line treatment and is not associated with a higher rate of adverse events.

Transoral endoscopic repair of Zenker diverticulum by a thoracic surgical service

OBJECTIVE

Zenker diverticulum (ZD), a pulsion diverticulum of the esophagus, has been traditionally managed with an open surgical approach, but endoscopic transoral stapling has been reported with increasing frequency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of endoscopic repair of ZD by a thoracic surgery service.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent transoral stapling repair of ZD at our institution by the thoracic surgery service. We evaluated perioperative outcomes including dysphagia (1, no dysphagia to 5, unable to swallow saliva) and failure of repair requiring surgical intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients (median age, 78 years; 75 men, 76 women) underwent evaluation for endoscopic repair of ZD. Endoscopic stapled repair of the ZD was completed in 135. Sixteen patients underwent conversion to open repair. The perioperative mortality was 0.6% (1 patient). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 0-18 days). Complications occurred in 5 patients who underwent endoscopic repair. The mean preoperative dysphagia score was 2.8 and improved to 1.2 during follow-up (median, 16 months; P < .001). During further follow-up (median, 52 months), 8 patients (5.3%) had failure of the endoscopic repair requiring open surgery (n = 5) or redo transoral stapling (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic stapling repair of ZD can be performed safely with good results in experienced centers by thoracic surgeons with significant esophageal experience. Long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the durability of endoscopic repair of ZD.

Surgical management of recurrent Zenker's diverticulum: A multi-institutional cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study identifies how recurrent Zenker's diverticula are treated.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed from four tertiary referral academic voice and swallowing centers to identify individuals who underwent surgery for recurrent Zenker's diverticulum. Demographic data, surgical modalities for primary and revision surgery, symptoms pre and post revision and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

56 individuals met inclusion criteria. Primary surgery was open in 30.3% (n = 17) and endoscopic in 69.6% (n = 39). Revision surgery was performed via an open approach in 37.5% of cases (N = 21) and via an endoscopic approach in 62.5% of cases (N = 35). Revision surgical technique was based on pouch size, patient age and comorbidities, as well as patient and surgeon preference. There were no major complications and few minor complications.

CONCLUSION

Zenker's diverticulum symptoms can recur regardless of primary treatment modality. Both endoscopic and open approaches can safely treat recurrent Zenker's diverticula.

Tips for improving access in endoscopic stapling of pharyngeal pouch

Endoscopic stapling is the preferred technique for treatment of symptomatic pharyngeal pouches. The use of stapling with a standard pharyngoscope can be successful in difficult access patients. This modification of the technique can prevent the conversion of an endoscopic approach to an open approach.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division for treatment of esophageal diverticulum: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division (STESD) is a new endoscopic technique for the treatment of esophageal diverticulum. However, there are few studies on the application of STESD, so its safety and feasibility need to be further evaluated.

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of STESD for esophageal diverticulum.

METHODS

Three patients who underwent STESD at Ningbo First Hospital from November 2017 to January 2019 were enrolled in this study, and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. The symptoms including dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation, weight loss, and retrosternal pain were scored using a system modified according to Eckardt score, with the score of each symptom ranging from 0 to 3 (maximum total score 15, minimum total score 0; the higher the score, the more severe the symptoms).

RESULTS

One patient had epiphrenic diverticulum, and two had Zenker's diverticula. All the three patients underwent STESD successfully. No major adverse events such as perforation or bleeding were found in the perioperative period. The patients were followed for at least 9 mo, and the longest follow-up time was 23 mo. The preoperative symptom scores for the three patients were 4, 7, and 8, and the postoperative scores declined to 0, 0, and 2, respectively. No recurrence or aggravation of symptoms was observed.

CONCLUSION

STESD is efficient and safe to relieve symptomatic esophageal diverticulum in short term.

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.

Systemic inflammatory response after endoscopic surgery of Zenker's diverticulum

Zenker’s diverticulum can be treated with a carbon dioxide laser or linear stapling device. A retrospective study on patients undergoing elective surgery for Zenker`s diverticulum with carbon dioxide laser or stapler was performed to analyse possible differences in inflammatory responses during the postoperative period. Leucocyte counts and C-reactive protein levels in peripheral blood were measured before and on days 1, 2, 3 and 5 after the operation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Of 34 patients, 16 were treated by laser and 18 by stapler. Age, sex ratio and ASA grade did not differ between the groups. Postoperative leukocytosis was significantly milder in the stapler group compared with patients who were treated by carbon dioxide laser. The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) level on day 1, 2 and 3 after surgery was significantly higher in the CO₂ laser group than in the stapler group. Leukocyte counts recovered on day 3 after surgery in both groups while CRP levels did not decline to preoperative levels at day 5 after the operation in either group. No inflammatory complications such as mediastinitis or pneumonia occurred. In conclusion, the inflammatory response in the early period after carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy of Zenker’s diverticulum is higher than after stapler-assisted surgery of Zenker’s diverticulum.

Pharyngoesophageal diverticuli: diagnosis, incidence and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pharyngoesophageal diverticuli such as Zenker's diverticulum are relatively rare diseases that may have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Open surgical techniques have historically been the mainstay of treatment for Zenker's diverticuli and remain the preferred approach for many surgeons operating on Killian-Jamieson diverticuli (KJD) and pharyngoceles. However, advances in technology in recent decades have allowed for the development of successful endoscopic surgical techniques for the management of these conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Endoscopic management of Zenker's diverticulum with carbon dioxide laser-assisted diverticulotomy or endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulostomy has gained wide acceptance in recent years. This is based on studies showing high rates of successful outcomes, low rates of complications and shorter operative time with an associated impact on overall cost and patient recovery. Endoscopic management of KJD and pharyngoceles has recently been described, but remains controversial with many surgeons preferring open surgical approaches for the ability to identify and protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

SUMMARY

Open and endoscopic techniques are accepted for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum with open approaches remaining the traditional technique for management of non-Zenker's diverticulum. Further investigation of endoscopic approaches for management of KJD is necessary to assess safety and efficacy.

Atypical Pharyngeal Pouch Arising Bilaterally between the Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage

Introduction. Pharyngoesophageal diverticuli are a common cause of dysphagia; they are associated with various morbidities and a decreased quality of life. There are several different types of the diverticuli, and they are divided based on the anatomical location of origin relative to the cricopharyngeal muscle; these include Zenker's, Killian-Jamieson's, and Laimer's diverticula. The authors present a unique case of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum that has not been previously described. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old male presented with a 12-month history of dysphagia and odynophagia for solids. Barium swallow revealed bilateral moderately sized diverticuli that altered in size during the different phases of swallow. CT scan of the neck with oral contrast further identified the anatomy of the diverticuli, arising between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage. Discussion. An external transcervical approach was utilised to successfully repair the diverticuli. Subsequent cricopharyngeal spasm was treated with botulinum toxin, and the patient recovered with no ongoing symptoms. The barium swallow study is a commonly utilised initial investigation as it is easy to perform and safe and has good diagnostic value. Definitive management usually involves either endoscopic or open surgery. This case depicts a unique case of a pharyngeal diverticulum arising between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage.

Normal fluoroscopic appearance status post-successful endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy (EZD) is a primary treatment for Zenker diverticulum (ZD). During EZD, the diverticulum is not excised, and interpretation of postoperative videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is challenging. The purpose of this investigation was to describe normal VFSS findings status post-successful EZD.

METHODS

The charts of all patients with ZD treated at our center between October 01, 2011, and May 30, 2014, were abstracted. Outcome measures included recidivistic diverticulum size, Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), penetration aspiration scale, pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening.

RESULTS

Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 70.5 (± 13) years. Seventy percent of the patients were male. Mean EAT-10 decreased 72.1% from 17.9 (± 8.2) to 5 (± 6.9) (P < 0.0001), and diverticulum size decreased 50.9% from 1.96 cm (± 0.68) to 0.96 cm (± 0.57) (P < 0.001). The PCR improved 33.6% from 0.17 (± 0.13) to 0.11 (± 0.11) (P < 0.001). Mean PES opening increased 61.6% from 0.53 cm (± 0.3544) to 0.86 cm (± 0.29) in lateral view and increased 40.0% from 1.00 cm (± 0.54) to 1.39 cm (± 0.46) in anteroposterior view (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

VFSS following successful EZD demonstrates an approximate 50% reduction in diverticulum size and significant improvement in PCR and PES opening. These data provide a framework for the expected fluoroscopic outcomes of successful diverticulotomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1762-1766, 2017.

Trans-oral cricomyotomy using a flexible endoscope: technique and clinical outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a rare upper esophageal pathology that is most prevalent in the sixth and seventh decade. Three different therapeutical options are available: (1) open trans-cervical approach, (2) rigid endoscopy and (3) flexible endoscopy. Our hypothesis is that a flexible endoscopic cricomyotomy represents a safe and effective treatment of ZD as well as cricopharyngeal spasm.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients that underwent a flexible endoscopic cricomyotomy at our institution between October 2008 and May 2014 was performed. Preoperative and postoperative (1 month and long-term follow-up) symptom scores and clinical outcomes were collected. Briefly, the ZD is carefully identified endoscopically and the common wall is divided using needle knife cautery with the help of an endoscopic cap. Clips are used to close the mucosal defect starting with the apex.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients underwent a flexible endoscopic myotomy for a ZD. Of 26 patients, five (19.2 %) had a history of previous open or stapled trans-oral myotomy and four (15.4 %) underwent a concomitant foregut procedure. Mean length of stay was 1.5 days (range 1-11). Mean operative time was 68 min (range 28-149). One patient presented with a postoperative leak, and one patient presented with a retained clip. Both were treated endoscopically. Recurrent weekly dysphagia was present in 3/26 (11.5 %). One patient (3.8 %) underwent an endoscopic bougie dilatation postoperatively. With regard to clinical outcomes, there was a statistically significant improvement in both short-term (1 month) and long-term (median follow-up 21.8 months; range 1-68.2 months) dysphagia (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), regurgitation (p = 0.001; p = 0.017), cough (p = 0.006; p = 0.025) and aspiration (p = 0.013; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Flexible endoscopic cricomyotomy offers durable relief of dysphagia, regurgitation, cough and aspiration in ZD patients. It appears to have a good safety profile with symptomatic recurrence occurring in up to 11.5 % of cases.