Comparison of electrical current and ultrasonic device for incision of the septum of the pharyngoesophageal diverticulum in a pig model.

Background: Complications of endoscopic treatment of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (PED) such as bleeding and perforation occur in up to 15 % of cases. Our objective was to compare incision of the PED septum using the ultrasonic device (group H) with incision using electrical current (group M) in a pig model.
Methods: Twenty domestic pigs were divided into groups H and M. The incision of the PED septum was performed using the ultrasonic device or using electrical current, respectively. The procedural time, complication rate, length of the border of the incised septum, and thermal tissue damage were compared between groups.
Results: Mean time to divide the septum and total procedure time were significantly shorter in group H. Mean length of the border of the incised septum was significantly higher in group H. The lateral thermal spread caused by electrical current (group M) was more intense. Hemorrhage was exclusively observed in group M.
Conclusion: Experimental endoscopic diverticulotomy using ultrasonic device was faster and caused less tissue damage when compared to electrical current.