Laparoscopic Epiphrenic Diverticulectomy and Esophageal Cardiomyotomy

Sigrid Johannesen, MD; Benjamin C. Axtman, MD; Subrato J. Deb, MD, FACS

Product Details
Product ID: ACS-5488
Year Produced: 2018
Length: 3 min.


Diverticula are mucosal protrusions through the muscularis mucosa layer of a hollow viscous. Epiphrenic diverticula represent a minority of esophageal diverticula and are typically associated with esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia. Preoperative work-up includes barium esophagography, manometry, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, operative intervention is sometimes required for severe symptoms such as dysphagia and epigastric pain. The video presented is that of a laparoscopic epiphrenic diverticulectomy with esophageal cardiomyotomy. The patient is an 80-year-old male with history of achalasia and progressive dysphagia with significant weight loss and multiple episodes of aspiration pneumonitis. A laparoscopic approach was performed in favor of a traditional left thoracotomy due to a severely debilitated patient and concern for intolerance of a large incision. After the abdomen was entered in the right upper quadrant using an open Hasson technique, additional 5mm port was placed in the left lower quadrant. Extensive lysis of adhesions was carried out using the EnSeal due to patient's history of feculent peritonitis and end colostomy. Additional ports were placed at the umbilicus, right and left upper quadrant under direct visualization. The liver was retracted, phrenoesophageal ligament divided and dissection carried out into mediastinum. The diverticulum was freed from adhesions to right pleura. A 46-French bougie was passed and endoscopic stapler was used to divide the neck of the diverticulum. A long myotomy was created 180 degrees from site of diverticulectomy. Partial anterior Dor fundoplication was performed and right mediastinal drain placed before removal of all ports and abdominal closure.