[Esophageal diverticula].

Abstract

Esophageal diverticula are considered to be rare but this has not deterred interest in the condition, either historically or in the present era. Most parabronchial esophageal diverticula are traction diverticula, and resection is thought to be unnecessary. The majority of pharyngoesophageal diverticula and epiphrenic diverticula are pulsion diverticula. It is now well accepted that they correlate with underlying motor disturbance and that surgery is indicated. If there is motor disturbance is preoperative manometry, it is necessary to add myotomy. However, if there is no motor disturbance, the surgical management remains controversial. Recently, minimal access surgery with laparoscopy or thoracoscopy has been successful in the treatment of epiphrenic diverticulum.