Zenker’s diverticulum

At the junction between the lower pharynx/throat and the oesophagus, there is an area with weakly developed interlacing muscle fibres. In older age, a Zenker’s diverticulum can develop here – an outpouching of the mucosa that causes difficulty swallowing when food or tablets become trapped in it.

Symptoms

Food or tablets becoming trapped in the diverticulum

Difficulty eating

Regurgitation: Undigested food coming back up into the mouth

Diagnosis

X-ray examination to establish whether a pharyngeal pouch is the cause of the swallowing difficulty.

Treatment options

Surgery: Different methods depending on size and individual anatomy.

Procedure: Usually through the mouth using a laser or stapler (a semi-automatic surgical stapling device), without an external incision.

General anaesthesia: The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia.

After the procedure

Healing process: The food passage requires a few days to heal.

Inpatient stay: Required, with nutrition provided through a feeding tube during this time.

X-ray check: After surgery, to ensure that eating can resume and the diverticular pouch is no longer visible.