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Zenker's Diverticulum Information - symptom, cause, picture, treatment of
Zenkers Diverticulum
Zenker's Diverticulum Information
Zenker's diverticulum is a protrusion of pharyngeal mucosa that develops at the pharyngoesophageal junction between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus. The cause is believed to be loss of elasticity of the upper esophageal sphincter, resulting in restricted opening during swallowing. Symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation tend to develop insidiously over years in older patients. Initial symptoms include vague oropharyngeal dysphagia with coughing or throat discomfort. As the diverticulum enlarges and retains food, patients may note halitosis, spontaneous regurgitation of undigested food, nocturnal choking, gurgling in the throat, or a protrusion in the neck. Complications include aspiration pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and lung abscess. The diagnosis is best established by a barium esophagogram
Zenker's Diverticulum symptom
Symptomatic patients require upper esophageal myotomy and, in most cases, surgical diverticulectomy. Significant improvement occurs in over 90% of patients treated surgically. Small asymptomatic diverticula may be observed. An intraluminal (endoscopic) approach has been developed recently in which the septum between the esophagus and diverticulum is incised.
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