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Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery
Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery 1/2012

01-01-2012 | Review Article

Modern pathophysiology and treatment of esophageal diverticula

Authors: Fernando A. M. Herbella, Marco G. Patti

Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Introduction

Esophageal diverticula are rare. They may occur in the pharyngoesophageal area (Zenker's), midesophagus, or distally (epiphrenic). A motility disorder (either at the level of the esophageal sphincters or body) is frequently associated with esophageal diverticula. The risk of malignant transformation is low.

Methods

A literature search was performed using Medline/PubMed database.

Results

The treatment of esophageal diverticula must be based on the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease: (a) asymptomatic diverticula do not need a specific treatment, (b) small diverticula may be left in place and not resected, (c) medium-size diverticula may be either treated by diverticulectomy, diverticulopexy, or esophagodiverticulostomy in case of pharyngoesophageal diverticula, (d) resection is probably the ideal therapy for larger diverticula, and (e) a myotomy should always be included to the procedure.

Conclusions

Due to its rarity, esophageal diverticula must be treated by esophageal surgeons since even in experienced hands the complication rate can be significant.
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Metadata
Title
Modern pathophysiology and treatment of esophageal diverticula
Authors
Fernando A. M. Herbella
Marco G. Patti
Publication date
01-01-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1435-2443
Electronic ISSN: 1435-2451
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-011-0843-2

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