Zenker's Diverticulum arises from posterior pharyngeal wall, forming a pouch.
Dysfunctional cricopharyngeal muscle leads to increased pressure, causing outpouching.
Pouch forms between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and cricopharyngeus muscle.
Abnormal pressure during swallowing weakens tissue, forming the diverticulum.
Tests
Barium swallow radiography shows the characteristic outpouching of Zenker’s diverticulum.
Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the diverticulum and its size.
Esophageal manometry assesses motility disorders contributing to Zenker's diverticulum.
Dysphagia difficulty swallowing.
Regurgitation bringing swallowed food back up to the mouth again.
Chronic cough, aspiration, and choking.
Bad breath.
Cricopharyngeal myotomy relaxes the muscle, reducing pressure and preventing outpouching.
Endoscopic stapling or laser surgery removes the diverticulum.
Dietary modifications.