462. EPIPHRENIC DIVERTICULA. THERAPEUTIC ALTERNATIVES AND OUR EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Background Epiphrenic diverticula account for less than 10% of esophageal diverticula and they are located in the last 10cm, in the right posterior quadrant. They are pseudodiverticula, lacking the muscular layer. Recent studies report that over 75% of these occur concomitantly with esophageal motility disorders, making it essential to evaluate them via manometry before deciding on intervention. Asymptomatic patients usually receive non-operative treatment. Indications for surgical treatment include increased diverticulum size, specific symptoms and suspicion of malignancy. Standard surgical treatment consists of laparoscopic approach with diverticulectomy, myotomy and Dor fundoplication. Methods We had 9 cases of esophageal epiphrenic diverticula that required surgical intervention in the last 16 years. In the vast majority of them, laparoscopic diverticulectomy was performed, along with myotomy and Dor fundoplication. Among them, there is a rare case of recurrence of a giant epiphrenic diverticulum in a 55-year-old patient treated with this approach. Due to the complexity of the case, partial esophagectomy and reconstruction with right-sided ascending coloplasty via posterior mediastinal route were decided as definitive treatment. Results The outcome was satisfactory in almost all patients, being the most frequent complications a suture line dehiscence and associated mediastinitis. Conclusion Esophageal diverticular pathology is uncommon, and its treatment is conservative in most cases. Over 75% of epiphrenic diverticula occur in the context of an underlying esophageal motor disorder. Indications for surgical intervention are the presence of symptoms, increased diverticulum size and suspicion of malignancy. The standard treatment consists in diverticulectomy, myotomy and fundoplication, but there are therapeutic alternatives that should be considered and individualized in each case. Symptoms disappearance after surgical treatment is nearly 90%. However, the procedure carries a morbidity and mortality rate of 20%, being the most common complication a suture line dehiscence, occurring in 33% of cases.