This is a prospective review of patients who underwent Zenker's diverticule
ctomy, closure of the pharyngotomy with nonabsorbable staples, and cricopha
ryngeal myotomy through an open neck approach over a period of 2 years. The
study group consisted of 9 men with a mean age of 67 years. The diagnosis
of Zenker's diverticulum was based on a barium swallow esophagram. The mean
operative time was 1.5 hours, with a mean estimated blood loss of 25 mL. B
arium swallow esophagrams performed on the first postoperative day showed n
o pharyngeal fistulas. Oral feeding was started after the esophagram. One p
atient was discharged on postoperative day 1, 1 was discharged on postopera
tive day 3, and the remaining 7 were discharged on postoperative day 2. All
patients were able to take oral feeding by postoperative day 1. There were
no operative complications in this series. We conclude that stapling with
nonabsorbable staples is a relatively safe and effective method for closing
pharyngeal defects after Zenker's diverticulectomy. The technique leads to
shortening of the operative time and hospital stay, and allows early resum
ption of oral feeding.