[Treatment of Zenker's diverticulum: comparison of different techniques].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Zenker's diverticulum has been approached surgically with different techniques over the years, evolving from open to endoscopic surgery. The CO(2) laser or the stapler can be used in endoscopic surgery. Our objective was to ascertain the recurrence or persistence of the diverticulum based on the type of surgery performed. METHOD A retrospective descriptive study of 22 patients treated for Zenker's diverticulum in our hospital service between 2001 and 2011. RESULTS Endoscopic surgery using laser CO(2) was performed in 13 patients, using stapler in 6 patients and with open approach in 3 patients. Surgery time, oral intake and hospital stay were greater in the open approach (107 minutes, 8 days and 11 days respectively) and less in surgery with stapler (52 minutes, 3 days and 5 days) than the technique with laser (58 minutes, 5 days and 8 days). With the first intervention, 68% of our patients improved, a percentage that increased to 95% taking into account the second intervention in patients that relapsed after the first surgery. Complications appeared in 13.6% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of choice nowadays for Zenker's diverticulum is endoscopic surgery. The endoscopic approach with stapler seems to present lower morbidity and a shorter hospital stay in comparison with the CO(2) laser.