Endotherapy of Zenker’s diverticulum using the needle-knife technique: long-term follow-up

Abstract

A single needle-knife mucomyotomy procedure can achieve long-term symptomatic improvement in about two out of three cases of Zenker's diverticulum. The success rate can be increased to above 80% by repeated sessions. Minor complications occur frequently but they can be conservatively managed. Major complications were not observed. Further long-term studies are warranted to elucidate the role of endoscopy as a definitive single treatment, with determination of prognostic parameters for a successful long-term outcome.