Open Zenker's diverticulectomy as the definite procedure in acute dysphagia.

• Vol 9 • May 2007 410 Zenker’s diverticulum (pharyngeal pouch) is a well-recognized problem occurring mainly in the elderly patient. Reduced cricopharyngeal compliance may be the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. Symptoms are derived both from the presence of the sac and from the cricopharyngeal abnormality [1] and usually include food regurgitation and dysphagia. Recurrent aspiration pneumonia is another potentially life-threatening complication. The onset of symptoms is usually insidious and patients may be symptomatic for many years before undergoing surgery. Surgical technique varies and includes myotomy, myotomy with sac diverticulopexy, open diverticulectomy, possibly with stapler use, and endoscopic approach with carbon dioxide laser or a stapling device [2]. The surgical approach selected varies according to the patient’s general condition and the surgeon’s experience and is usually an elective procedure. We describe two cases in which a semi-emergency open diverticulectomy was performed for treating Zenker’s diverticulum