Modified submucosal tunnelling endoscopic septum division for symptomatic esophageal diverticula is effective and safe: a prospective case series (with video).

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division (STESD) is a valid endoscopic modality for treating esophageal diverticula. However, it requires highly skilled endoscopists. Here we propose a modified STESD method. METHODS: This is a single center prospective case series. We consecutively enrolled 8 patients diagnosed with esophageal diverticula. All the patients underwent the modified STESD by one experienced endoscopist. RESULTS: Only one patient had intraoperative bleeding and was successfully stopped endoscopically. The size of the diverticula were 3.16 ± 1.14 cm as mean ± SD. The operation time ranged from 27 to 68 min with the mean value of 40.88 min. The number of clips ranged from 4 to 8. The success rate was 100%. None of the patients had symptom recurrences during 2 - 25 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The modified STESD method for esophageal diverticula is effective and safe, further large prospective controlled studies are needed.