A case of giant epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum *
We experienced a case of giant esophageal diverticulum, which was encountered in the course of a preoperative examination of an early rectal carcinoma. It was resected transabdominally via the esophageal hiatus together with low anterior resection of the rectum. A 58 -year-old woman was admitted for treatment of an early rectal carcinoma. An esophageal diverticulum (size unknown) had been detected 15 years before, but had followed without any treatment. She sometimes experienced a retarded sensation of foods. Esophagography revealed a 7.0 x 7.0 cm giant epiphrenic diverticulum, and the patient was considered to be a candidate for resection of the esophageal diverticulum because of her symptoms. Under an upper midline laparotomy, after low anterior resection of the rectum, the diverticulum was excised with a GIA instrument via the esophageal hiatus. A resected specimen showed an ulceration 0.4 cm in diameter and multiple erosions in the mucosa of the diverticulum. The patient experienced complete relief of her symptoms. (Accepted on May 25, 2000) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 26(2) : 115- 119. 2000
