What causes a Zenker’s diverticulum? A Zenker’s diverticulum typically arises due to tightness of the cricopharyngeus muscle. This muscle makes up the upper esophageal sphincter, and is located just below the level of the voice box. Normally, it relaxes during swallowing to allow food to pass into the esophagus.
how is Zenker’s diverticulum treated?
Treatment options encompass open surgery or transoral rigid or flexible endoscopy and are aimed at eliminating functional outflow obstruction and restore continuity at the pharyngoesophageal junction through myotomy with or without resection of the diverticulum (diverticulectomy) or diverticulopexy 5.
what is a Zenker’s diverticulum?
Specialty. Gastroenterology. A Zenker’s diverticulum, also pharyngeal pouch, is a diverticulum of the mucosa of the human pharynx, just above the cricopharyngeal muscle (i.e. above the upper sphincter of the esophagus). It is a pseudo diverticulum (not involving all layers of the esophageal wall).
what causes esophageal diverticulum?
Midesophageal (traction) diverticula are caused by traction from mediastinal inflammatory lesions or, secondarily, by esophageal motility disorders. Epiphrenic diverticula occur just above the diaphragm and usually accompany a motility disorder (achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm).
Is Zenker’s diverticulum rare?
When a pouch forms at the junction of the pharynx and the esophagus, it is called Zenker’s diverticulum. Zenker’s diverticulum usually appears in an area known as Killian’s triangle. Zenker’s diverticulum is rare, affecting between 0.01 and 0.11 percent of the population.
What does Zenker’s diverticulum feel like?
The classic symptoms of a Zenker’s diverticulum consist of difficulty swallowing, a feeling a lump or fullness in the throat, and subsequent regurgitation of undigested trapped food minutes to hours after eating. You may also read,
What causes a pouch in the throat?
It is believed that the internal pressure produced by the esophagus to move food into the stomach can herniate the esophageal lining through a weakened wall, creating a pouch or a diverticulum. There is usually distal end obstruction. Check the answer of
Can Zenker’s diverticulum cause cancer?
The occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in a Zenker’s diverticulum is a very rare incident. Complete excision of the diverticulum is considered as the procedure of choice for SCC in the pharyngeal pouch. Histopathological assessment of the pouch is the only modality to rule out SCC.
What is the treatment for esophageal diverticulum?
Treatment of Zenker diverticulum traditionally has been surgical, although the specific operation used still is controversial. Surgical options include diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy, diverticular suspension (diverticulopexy) with cricopharyngeal myotomy, and cricopharyngeal myotomy alone. Read:
What are the symptoms of Zenker diverticulum?
Zenker’s Diverticulum Causes & Symptoms Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Regurgitation (return of undigested food back into the mouth) Sense of a lump in the neck. Halitosis (smelly breath) due to stagnant food in the pouch. Cough, especially at night. Hoarseness (voice change) Involuntary gurgling noises when swallowing.
Can the upper esophageal sphincter be repaired?
Surgery may be an option for those people. Surgery focuses on repairing or replacing the valve at the bottom of the esophagus that normally keeps acid from moving backward from the stomach. This valve is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). However, esophageal cancer is rare, even in people with Barrett’s.
Can an endoscopy detect diverticulitis?
Endoscopy is not recommended in the acute setting given the risk of worsening diverticulitis and bowel perforation. After the diverticulitis has subsided, colonoscopy can be used to evaluate the extent of diverticulosis or to rule out a malignancy masquerading as a benign postinflammatory stricture.
What are the symptoms of a pharyngeal pouch?
A pharyngeal pouch, also known as Zenker’s diverticulum, occurs when part of the pharyngeal lining herniates through the muscles of the pharyngeal wall. This occurs mainly in older people. Presenting symptoms include dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, halitosis, hoarseness, and chronic cough.
Can food get stuck in the esophagus?
When it feels like something didn’t go all the way down, it’s usually because it’s stuck in your esophagus. Your breathing isn’t affected when this happens because the food has already cleared your windpipe. However, you may cough or gag. Symptoms of food stuck in your esophagus develop immediately after it happens.
What foods are good for healing esophagus?
Fiber. To keep foods soft, raw fruits and vegetables can be replaced with canned and frozen fruits—like applesauce and fruit cups. Avocados and bananas also work well. Soups and broths will help soften squash, potatoes (without the skins), carrots, peas, and other vegetables.
