Laparoscopic approach in the treatment of large epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum.

Epiphrenic diverticulum of the lower third of the esophagus is a relatively rare disorder. We present the case of a large, 7.5 cm diameter esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum treated by the laparoscopic approach. Surgery was indicated by the severity of the patient's symptoms and size of the diverticulum. A laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy with a myotomy and Dor fundoplication was carried out. The overall operative time was 180 min. The patient tolerated the surgery well and was discharged from hospital 4 days after the surgery. From the 10(th) postoperative day the patient resumed a regular diet. Four weeks after the operation the patient had no complaints, symptoms of dysphagia or vomiting. The laparoscopic approach in the treatment of a large, 7.5 cm epiphrenic diverticulum of the esophagus is feasible, safe and well tolerated by the patient.