Stapled diverticulectomy and myotomy for symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum

Background Few surgeons have extensive experience with the operative management of Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). Methods Retrospective review of stapled diverticulectomy and cricopharygeal 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.