Zenker's diverticulum: analysis of surgical complications from diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for postoperative complications in patients undergoing diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal (CP) myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A chart review was conducted of all patients with a Zenker's diverticulum who were treated with diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy at three tertiary care centers in central Indiana between 1988 and 1998.

RESULTS

Of the 24 patients identified, 9 developed postoperative complications (2 medical and 7 surgical). Statistical analysis of multiple potential risk factors revealed that only diverticulum size greater than 10 cm2 at surgery placed the patient at increased risk for postoperative surgical complications. To our knowledge, this is the first report that has specifically addressed diverticulum size as an independent risk factor for postoperative surgical complications following diverticulectomy and CP myotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Given our findings, we recommend considering diverticulopexy rather than diverticulectomy in a patient with a Zenker's diverticulum greater than 10 cm2 in size if a cervical approach is the selected treatment.