Fully robotic treatment of an epiphrenic diverticulum: report of a case.

Abstract

Epiphrenic diverticula are rare protrusions of the distal esophagus attributed to esophageal motility disorders or obstructive diseases. In presence of a relevant symptomatology, surgery is mandatory. Although many reports confirm the feasibility of the laparoscopic transhiatal approach, the mobilization of the esophagus and the myotomy appear challenging. The intrinsic characteristics of the da Vinci Robotic System could facilitate the approach to the esophagogastric junction and an extended mobilization of the esophagus. We describe a robotic transhiatal surgical treatment of an epiphrenic diverticulum with a Dor antireflux procedure. Robotic-assisted diverticulectomy appears feasible and safe with a low risk of esophageal perforation and pleura damage.