Comparison of Carbon Dioxide Laser—Assisted versus Stapler-Assisted Endoscopic Cricopharyngeal Myotomy

Abstract

Objectives:

We directly compared endoscopic carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser and stapler treatment methods for both cricopharyngeal hypertrophy (CPH) and Zenker's diverticulum (ZD).

Methods:

We performed a single-institution retrospective chart review of 153 patients who underwent either CO₂ laser–assisted or stapler-assisted endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM).

Results:

Isolated CPH was more likely to be treated with the CO₂ laser than by stapler techniques. The ZD pouch size decreased significantly after surgery in both laser (p = 0.04) and stapler (p = 0.008) groups. The average duration of the procedure for CPM was longer for the laser than for the stapler (p = 0.01). Both techniques were successful when used in revision procedures. The overall complication rates were not statistically significantly different. Laser surgery trended toward a higher rate of major complications (2.4% versus 0%). Symptomatic recurrence was more likely after stapler surgery (p = 0.002). The rates of revision surgery were similar in the two groups (3.3% for laser and 4.3% for stapler).

Conclusions:

In the treatment of isolated CPH or ZD, stapler-assisted endoscopic surgery results in a shorter operative time, whereas laser-assisted CPM results in a decreased incidence of symptomatic recurrence.