OGBN V09 Laparoscopic Resection of Epiphrenic Diverticulum and Hellers Cardiomyotomy for achalasia. (7th December 2022) - Frank, Amy
Abstract: Background: Epiphrenic diverticula are a rare form of diverticulum located in the distal oesophagus. Symptoms are varied as patients may be asymptomatic or present acutely with dysphagia and regurgitation. This video presentation is a case report and discussion of a patient requiring laparoscopic resection of an epiphrenic diverticulum and Hellers cardiomyotomy for concurrent achalasia. Methods: The case of a 58 year old man is presented, who attended as an emergency with severe malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia secondary to dysphagia. Initial investigations included an upper GI endoscopy, barium swallow and CT scan which demonstrated a large oesophageal diverticulum and undiagnosed achalasia. Results: The video presentation explores the operative technique used during this case in order to resect the epiphrenic diverticulum and perform a subsequent Hellers cardiomyotomy for achalasia. Conclusions: Operative intervention was successful and the patient was discharged on day 2 post-operatively with no further complications. This video presentation stimulates further discussion regarding the management and operative technique utilised in epiphrenic diverticulae.