Endoscopic staple diverticulostomy (ESD) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat patients with Zenker’s diverticulum.

The surgery can usually be performed very quickly. Most patients are treated in about 30 minutes, and can go home the same day as the surgery.

Patients have a brief general anesthetic, awaken in the recovery room at the surgery center, and are able to start drinking liquids the same day as the operation. Most patients begin eating a regular diet on the first day after their operation. Most patients experience a sore throat for a few days after the surgery.

No special feeding tubes, antibiotics, or tests are needed. All patients are given pain medication to use at home if necessary after surgery. ESD can also be used to treat patients who have a recurrent Zenker’s diverticulum after other surgery.

Slide Show

Click the arrows below to browse through the slide show of an ESD operation. For a larger version of a picture, click the image.