Abstract

Zenker's diverticulum occurs mainly in elderly patients with typical symptoms including dysphagia, regurgitation, chronic cough, aspiration, and weight loss. A diagnosis is easily established on upper endoscopy or barium studies. The treatment is surgery or endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy. Endoscopic procedures include staple assisted diverticulostomy, CO₂ laser, transparent oblique-endhood attached endoscopic diverticulostomy, and argon plasma coagulation. Minimally invasive endoscopic treatments are associated with a shorter operating time, shorter postoperative hospital stay, quicker resumption of oral intake, and fewer overall complications. Argon plasma coagulation can be performed in any regular endoscopy unit and is less invasive, economical, faster, and well-tolerated. In particular, older patients in a poor general condition, at high surgical risk or with contraindications to general anesthesia can be treated with argon plasma coagulation. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;33:159⁣162)

• Keywords: Zenker's diverticulum, Argon plasma coagulation