Abstract
Background and study aims
Multiple therapeutic modalities, including surgery and rigid and flexible endoscopy,
have been adopted to manage Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). Relief from symptoms such
as dysphagia and regurgitation is the main goal of therapy in symptomatic ZD. This
study was the first large cohort that aimed to assess efficacy with time and safety
of endoscopic diverticulotomy using the Clutch Cutter.
Patients and methods
Cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed in 43 patients at Hospital Saint Joseph de Paris,
a tertiary referral center. Symptoms were analyzed before and at 3, 6, and 12 months
post-intervention using an extensive questionnaire about dysphagia, odynophagia, regurgitation,
chronic cough, state of health, and complications. Procedure details such as duration,
complications, and technical success were recorded.
Results
Mean size of ZD was 25.6 mm. Mean procedure time was 48 minutes. No major complications
(e.g., perforation, mediastinitis) occurred, although one patient suffered from a
sinus piriform wound. Follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. During follow-up
consultations, patients rated improvement in their symptoms as a percentage. At 12
months, 97% of patients reported 100% improvement.
Conclusions
In patients with treatment-naïve ZD, the Clutch Cutter technique is safe, fast, and
provides durable symptom remission.
Keywords
Endoscopy Upper GI Tract - Motility / achalasia - POEM - GI Pathology
Bibliographical Record
Marc Harb, Jean Baptiste Danset, Cynthia Medlij, Olivier Marty, Damien Levoir, Elise
Chanteloup, Bernard El Khoury, Christophe Souaid, Yann Le Baleur. Cricopharyngeal
myotomy using grasping scissors: Benefits of peroral endoscopic myotomy in symptomatic
Zenker’s diverticulum. Endosc Int Open 2025; 13: a27033219.
DOI: 10.1055/a-2703-3219
