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CC BY 4.0 · Endosc Int Open 2025; 13: a27033219
DOI: 10.1055/a-2703-3219
Original article

Cricopharyngeal myotomy using grasping scissors: Benefits of peroral endoscopic myotomy in symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum

Authors

  • Marc Harb 

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Jean Baptiste Danset

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Cynthia Medlij

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Olivier Marty

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Damien Levoir

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Elise Chanteloup

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Bernard El Khoury

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Christophe Souaid

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)

  • Yann Le Baleur

    1   Gastroenterology Unit, Fondation Hopital Saint Joseph, Paris, France (Ringgold ID: RIN55662)
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Abstract

Background and study aims

Multiple therapeutic modalities, including surgery and rigid and flexible endoscopy, have been adopted to manage Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). Relief from symptoms such as dysphagia and regurgitation is the main goal of therapy in symptomatic ZD. This study was the first large cohort that aimed to assess efficacy with time and safety of endoscopic diverticulotomy using the Clutch Cutter.

Patients and methods

Cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed in 43 patients at Hospital Saint Joseph de Paris, a tertiary referral center. Symptoms were analyzed before and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention using an extensive questionnaire about dysphagia, odynophagia, regurgitation, chronic cough, state of health, and complications. Procedure details such as duration, complications, and technical success were recorded.

Results

Mean size of ZD was 25.6 mm. Mean procedure time was 48 minutes. No major complications (e.g., perforation, mediastinitis) occurred, although one patient suffered from a sinus piriform wound. Follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. During follow-up consultations, patients rated improvement in their symptoms as a percentage. At 12 months, 97% of patients reported 100% improvement.

Conclusions

In patients with treatment-naïve ZD, the Clutch Cutter technique is safe, fast, and provides durable symptom remission.

Keywords

Endoscopy Upper GI Tract - Motility / achalasia - POEM - GI Pathology


Publication History

Received: 13 December 2024

Accepted after revision: 13 May 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 September 2025

Article published online:
13 October 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Bibliographical Record
Marc Harb, Jean Baptiste Danset, Cynthia Medlij, Olivier Marty, Damien Levoir, Elise Chanteloup, Bernard El Khoury, Christophe Souaid, Yann Le Baleur. Cricopharyngeal myotomy using grasping scissors: Benefits of peroral endoscopic myotomy in symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum. Endosc Int Open 2025; 13: a27033219.
DOI: 10.1055/a-2703-3219
 

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