Subject(s)
Conscious Sedation , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Clinical Competence , Conscious Sedation/adverse effects , Conscious Sedation/methods , Conscious Sedation/standards , Documentation , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/adverse effects , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/methods , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/standards , Hypnotics and Sedatives/adverse effectsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: We report our experience in the endoscopic (flexible) treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Three patients with medium-sized Zenker's diverticula were treated by endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy with a modified needle-knife sphincterotome through a therapeutic gastroscope. The procedure was performed in the digestive endoscopy unit under conscious sedation without anesthetic support. RESULT: Endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy was completed in a single session without immediate or late complications. In all three patients dysphagia disappeared and all were discharged at 48 hours with a solid diet. After 12, 18 and 17 months of follow-up there has been no recurrence of dysphagia or other symptoms attributable to Zenker's diverticulum. CONCLUSION: Flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy is a simple, effective and safe treatment of Zenker's diverticulum that avoids the need for open cervical surgery and general anesthesia.
