ENDOSCOPIC STAPLING DIVERTICULOTOMY OF PHARYNGEAL POUCH

Endoscopic diverticulotomy (Dohlman's procedure) is a well-established and effective alternative to external diverticulectomy in the treatme nt of pharyngeal pouch. The division of the common septum between the pouch and the oesophagus is usually performed either with electrocaute ry or with a laser. We describe a new technique of endoscopic divertic ulotomy using a linear cutter stapling gun. This technique has the adv antages of being quick and bloodless, avoiding the need for a nasogast ric tube, permitting oral intake as early as the first postoperative d ay and allowing early discharge from hospital. It also has the theoret ical advantage over the electrocautery or the laser technique of reduc ing the risk of fistula formation, mediastinitis and thermal injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.