453 LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF A GIANT EPIPHRENIC DIVERTICULUM

Epiphrenic diverticula are acquired mucosal out-pouchings of the distal third of the oesophagus; vastly undiagnosed due to their usual asymptomatic status, with limited number in all published series, and a still ongoing debate both in their surgical indication and technique. This video shows all steps we think that are necessary when operating an epiphrenic diverticulum, in order to illustrate them all and to show the feasibility of performing such operation with minimally invasive procedures. Methods A 52-year-old male was diagnosed of a symptomatic giant epiphrenic diverticulum after previous complaints of dysphagia and regurgitation of undigested food. Preoperative barium-swallow and upper endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis, excluding any other secondary aetiology, and conventional oesophageal manometry did not show any relevant findings. Results Surgery was indicated for symptomatic disease, and a laparoscopic procedure was performed, with pneumoperitoneum created through a Veress needle and trocars placed similar to those used for a hiatal hernia repair. After opening the hiatus, access was granted to the mediastinum and the diverticulum was identified and dissected, and when its neck was completely exposed, diverticulectomy was performed using endostapler loads reinforced with Peri-strips Dry®. Aferwards, both an oesphageal myotomy (from the oesophago-gastric junction to the distal point of the diveticulum’s neck) and a partial Dor fundoplication (despite the absence of relevant findings in the conventional manometry) were performed. Conclusion Surgical management of epiphrenic diverticula should entail both resection of the pouch (diverticulectomy, to avoid postoperative persistent symptoms) and treatment of the underlying motility disorder that has been demonstrated in other studies in nearly 100% of the patients using high-resolution manometry (myotomy and fundoplication, both to avoid recurrences and leakages of the staple line). The laparoscopic approach is feasible without video-assisted thoracoscopy in diverticula with their neck up to 10 cm from the oesophagogastric junction. Video https://www.dropbox.com/s/hugbemgi6wl55kp/EpiphrenicDiverticulumx2.mp4?dl=0

340 EXPANDING THE ROLE OF POEM TO ESOPHAGEAL EPIPHRENIC DIVERTICULA—FEASIBLE, SAFE AND EFFECTIVE.

Epiphrenic diverticula (ED) is a rare disorder which can be associated with significant surgical morbidity. Presence of an esophageal motility disorder, often achalasia, is classically associated with ED with some arguing that symptoms are primarily attributed to the motility disorder rather than the diverticula itself. The role of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is expanding for palliation of achalasia. The objective of our study is to investigate the outcomes of POEM in patients with epiphrenic diverticula. Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was conducted in a tertiary care institution between April 2014 and July 2019. A total of 217 patients receiving a POEM during the study time period were identified with 13 patients having ED. Video recordings of POEM with and without ED were compared for technical differences. Patient demographics, prior esophageal procedures and epiphrenic diverticula characteristics were collected. Primary outcome was post-operative Eckardt scores. We also explored integrated resting pressure (IRP) on manometry, barium column height and width, complications and patient reported outcomes. Standard statistical methods were applied using R. Results Among 13 patients with ED (median age 74.2, 69% male), 7 small and 6 large diverticula were identified. No post-operative complications were noted. The median Eckardt score significantly decreased from 8 [IQR 5–9] pre POEM to 0 [IQR 0–2] post POEM, with similar improvements in median IRPs (24.5 mmHg [IQR 16.9–31.3] vs. 4.3 mmHg [IQR 2.4–7.6], 1 min barium column height (9.2 cm [IQR 6.3–17.9] vs. 3.2 cm [IQR 0–7.1] and 1 min barium column width (3.3 cm [IQR 2.7–3.5] vs. 0.75 cm [IQR 0–3.7]. Post-operative pH studies were conducted in 7 (53.8%) patients demonstrating a DeMeester score of more than 14.72 in 5 (71.4%) patients. Conclusion We demonstrate that POEM is technically feasible, safe and associated with excellent outcomes in patients with small and large diverticula. In our study cohort no further surgical therapy was required to address the diverticula. Reflux was managed medically. Considering its low morbidity profile POEM should be considered for therapy in selected patients with epiphrenic diverticula.