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Epiphrenic Diverticulum of the Esophagus. From Pathophysiology to Treatment

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery Aims and scope

Abstract

Introduction

Epiphrenic diverticula of the esophagus are usually associated with a concomitant esophageal motility disorder. The main symptoms experienced by patients are dysphagia, regurgitation, and aspiration. The best surgical treatment is still debated, particularly the need for a myotomy in addition to resection of the diverticulum.

Discussion

While for many decades the traditional approach was through a left thoracotomy, more recently, minimally invasive techniques have been successfully used and are now the procedure of choice in most cases. The purpose of this article was to review (a) the current understanding of the pathophysiology of epiphrenic diverticulum, (b) how this understanding should guide the surgical treatment, and (c) the surgical approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Renato Soares, Fernando A. Herbella, Vivek N. Prachand, Mark K. Ferguson & Marco G. Patti

  2. Center for Esophageal Diseases, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5095, Room G 201, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

    Marco G. Patti

Authors
  1. Renato Soares
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  2. Fernando A. Herbella
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  3. Vivek N. Prachand
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  4. Mark K. Ferguson
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  5. Marco G. Patti
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Correspondence to Marco G. Patti.

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Soares, R., Herbella, F.A., Prachand, V.N. et al. Epiphrenic Diverticulum of the Esophagus. From Pathophysiology to Treatment. J Gastrointest Surg 14, 2009–2015 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-010-1216-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-010-1216-9

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