FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPIC SEPTAL DIVISION FOR ZENKER’S DIVERTICULUM (WITH A VIDEO)

Abstract

Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) is a relatively rare disorder, but it may clinically manifest with symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, and its associated complications. Open surgery and rigid endoscopic diverticulotomy have been performed for the treatment of ZD in the past. However, in recent years, flexible endoscopic septum division (FESD) has been performed and was positioned as the first-line treatment for ZD in the 2020 European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines. FESD was approved as an advanced medical treatment in Japan in July 2020 and is expected to be covered by the Japanese health insurance system as a standard treatment for ZD. In this manuscript, we describe the technique and treatment schedule of FESD and follow-up of patients who have undergone FESD in detail.