Zenker's diverticulum
Zenker's diverticulum
Zenker's diverticulum (/ˈzɛŋkərz daɪvərˈtɪkjʊləm/), also known as pharyngeal pouch, is a type of esophageal diverticulum located in the upper part of the esophagus.
Etymology
The condition is named after the German pathologist Friedrich Albert von Zenker who first described it in 1877.
Definition
Zenker's diverticulum is a pouch that forms at the junction of the pharynx and the esophagus, known as the pharyngoesophageal junction. It is a type of pulsion diverticulum, meaning it is caused by increased pressure in the esophagus.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Zenker's diverticulum include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food, coughing, weight loss, and bad breath (halitosis).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum is typically made through a barium swallow test, which can visualize the pouch in the esophagus. Other diagnostic methods may include endoscopy or manometry.
Treatment
Treatment options for Zenker's diverticulum include surgical removal of the pouch (diverticulectomy) or a procedure to cut the muscle at the top of the pouch (cricopharyngeal myotomy).
Related Terms
- Esophageal diverticulum
- Pharyngoesophageal junction
- Pulsion diverticulum
- Dysphagia
- Halitosis
- Barium swallow
- Endoscopy
- Manometry
- Diverticulectomy
- Cricopharyngeal myotomy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Zenker's diverticulum
- Wikipedia's article - Zenker's diverticulum
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