Surgery for esophageal achalasia associated with esophageal diverticula—a case study—

Abstract

We report a case of esophageal achalasia of the sigmoid type associated with epiphrenic and Zenker diverticula. Since 2002, a 63-year-old man with achalasia had frequent balloon dilatations. In November 2009 he complained of dysphagia and a 5kg weight-loss. Barium esophagography revealed sigmoid-type achalasia with epiphrenic and Zenker diverticula. We performed a hand-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and resection of an epiphrenic diverticulum. The postoperative course was uneventful. To date, after two years of follow up he can eat semi-solid foods and has had no weight-loss.