Three-dimensional laparoscopic approach to distal oesophageal diverticula: Single-centre experience

BACKGROUND: Epiphrenic oesophageal diverticula are rare and often asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, minimally invasive diverticulectomy is considered the gold standard of treatment. While there is an agreement on the pre-operative assessment, no consensus is achieved when it comes to surgical technique. In the present study, we report our experience and propose a standardised approach to manage this rare oesophageal disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analysed data of all consecutive patients who underwent three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic distal oesophageal diverticulum resection during 2015–2020 at Upper gastrointestinal surgical department, St Thomas’ Hospital, regarding pre-operative assessment, surgical technique, peri-and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: Six patients were submitted to 3D laparoscopic diverticulectomy, five of which with additional anterior myotomy and fundoplication and one with additional hiatal hernia repair only. Three patients followed a specific diet in preparation for surgery. Median pre-operative Eckardt symptom score was five. Two patients had normal manometry. Median operative time was 180 min, median estimated blood loss was <100 ml, neither intraoperative complications nor conversions to open approach occurred. All patients reported a complete resolution of symptoms directly after surgery. Median follow-up was 66 months. Five patients have none or minimal residual symptoms. One had recurrence requiring a revision operation for intermittent dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: 3D laparoscopic diverticulectomy offers a reasonable chance of treatment in patients with epiphrenic diverticula. Optimal selection of patients, optimisation for surgery, gaining the surgical experience of carrying out these techniques and impact on short- and long-term results are issues that still remain under debate.