Zenker's Diverticulum

Zenker’s diverticulum is a functional obstruction of the esophagus in which an abnormal pouch develops in the area of the pharynx, causing major swallowing problems. Diagnostic methods include advanced imaging tests where swallowing is evaluated to allow your ENT or general surgeon to determine whether this particular condition is present as opposed to a mid-esophageal diverticulum or another condition called a Killian-Jamieson diverticulum. Beyond swallowing difficulties, typical symptoms of Zenker’s diverticulum include regurgitation of food, bad breath, coughing and discomfort while eating, weight loss and aspiration of food or fluids. When this condition requires treatment, surgery is the only possible route, with open, endovascular and transoral repair surgery all potential options.