Dear Sir,

We read with interest the excellent article on surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) by Yuan et al. [1]. However, their citations on flexible endoscopic management of ZD are lacking. They cite only two articles from the initial description of flexible therapy of ZD from nearly 20 years ago. Since those two original descriptions, over 15 series involving more than 600 patients have been published [2,3,4]. Overall, the results of flexible therapy compare favorably to rigid endoscopic therapy. Indeed, one article retrospectively compared flexible and rigid endoscopic therapy showing similar outcomes [5]. Flexible endoscopic procedures are usually performed by gastroenterologists or surgical endoscopists in the endoscopy suite, whereas rigid endoscopic procedures are performed by surgeons in the operating room. The advantages of a flexible endoscopic approach rest in a wider visual field and flexibility and smaller endoscope diameter, which are especially useful for patients with poor neck extension and/or limited jaw retraction. It can also be performed without the use of general anesthesia in many instances.

A transoral flexible endoscopic approach successfully reduces cricopharyngeal sphincter pressure [6]. The septum can be divided with a variety of cutting instruments and accessories.

It is unknown whether a transoral flexible endoscopic approach will show long-term results compared to rigid surgical therapy for long-term relief of symptoms. In one recent study in which 94% of patients underwent transoral rigid endoscopic therapy, durable relief of symptoms was noted in only ~40% of the cases (including recurrences) [7]. One limitation of the currently available flexible endoscopic data is the paucity of quality patient follow-up. In evaluation of the available studies, nearly one third demonstrate inadequate post-procedure follow-up. However, with improvements in techniques and technologies, we believe a complete myotomy can be achieved safely and effectively using a flexible transoral approach.

The other minor comment relates to table 5 by Yuan et al. [1] in which they state that flexible endoscopic therapy is unsuitable for both small and large diverticula. Having treated more than 50 patients at our institution, we can assert that flexible endoscopic therapy can be used for all sizes of diverticula, though small diverticula are more technically difficult to treat. A previous compilation of available studies by Ferreira et al. [3] has shown that ZD of various sizes can be treated, ranging from 2 to 12 cm, with a high rate of clinical success.

Ideally, head-to-head comparative trials of transoral flexible endoscopic and rigid endoscopic myotomy are needed to determine the optimal approach to patients with ZD.

None.

1.
Yuan Y, Zhao YF, Hu Y, Chen LQ: Surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Dig Surg 2013;30:214-225.
2.
Katzka DA, Baron TH: Transoral flexible endoscopic therapy of Zenker's diverticulum: is it time for gastroenterologists to stick their necks out? Gastrointest Endosc 2013;77:708-710.
3.
Ferreira LE, Simmons DT, Baron TH: Zenker's diverticula: pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and flexible endoscopic management. Dis Esophagus 2008;21:1-8.
4.
Dzeletovic I, Ekbom DC, Baron TH: Flexible endoscopic and surgical management of Zenker's diverticulum. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012;6:449-465, quiz 466.
5.
Repici A, Pagano N, Fumagalli U, Peracchia A, Narne S, Malesci A, Rosati R: Transoral treatment of Zenker diverticulum: flexible endoscopy versus endoscopic stapling. A retrospective comparison of outcomes. Dis Esophagus 2011;24:235-239.
6.
Ishioka S, Felix VN, Sakai P, Melo J, Pinotti HW: Manometric study of the upper esophageal sphincter before and after endoscopic management of Zenker's diverticulum. Hepatogastroenterology 1995;42:628-632.
7.
Koch M, Mantsopoulos K, Velegrakis S, Iro, Zenk J: Endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy versus open surgical approach in the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Laryngoscope 2011;121:2090-2094.
2013
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.