[Hypopharyngeal Zenker's diverticulum as a clinical and surgical problem]

Abstract

One of the dysphagia causes may be pharyngeal or esophageal diverticula. Pharyngeal diverticulum (Zenker's diverticulum) is the most common among all upper digestive tract diverticula. It results from protrusion of the pharyngeal mucosa in Killian's area (triangle), at the border of two parts of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. Patients with Zenker's diverticulum complain about different types of dysphagia as a result of retention of freshly ingested food in diverticulum and its regurgitation. This problem may be present for years and has a progressive nature. The diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum is based on anamnesis and radiological examinations with applied contrast medium of the upper digestive tract. There are two methods of the treatment: diverticulectomy from external cervical approach and endoscopic (with surgical laser) incision of the wall between diverticulum and pharynx or esophagus. Treatment results and number of postsurgical complications are similar for both methods. Treatment of Zenker's diverticulum is in field of interest of surgeons as well as otolaryngologists. Location of disease in the neck and in the upper digestive tract should make us well acquainted with this problem.