Zenker’s diverticulum is a pouch that forms at the back of the throat at the junction of the pharynx and the esophagus (the food passage to the stomach). The pouch causes problems with swallowing.

The growth is most common in people over the age of 60. However, physicians at Duke have seen patients in their 30s who have Zenker’s diverticulum.

Causes

The cause of Zenker’s diverticulum is unknown. The formation of the pouch does not appear to be hereditary. In many patients who have a Zenker’s diverticulum, other problems of the esophagus are present -- however, this is not always the case.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Zenker’s diverticulum is difficulty swallowing food. Food may actually come back up out of the mouth several minutes to hours after eating.

Patients also suffer from choking, feeling mucus collecting in the throat, hoarseness, or bad breath. The symptoms can be quite embarrassing and debilitating.

Diagnosis

In patients with symptoms suggestive of Zenker’s diverticulum, a very simple and safe x-ray called a barium swallow is performed.

Slide Show

Click the arrows below to browse through the slide show of barium swallow x-rays. For a larger version of a picture, click the image.

Barium swallow x-ray of a Zenker’s diverticulum

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Barium swallow x-ray of a hypopharyngeal diverticulum

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Barium swallow x-ray of a hypopharyngeal diverticulum

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Barium swallow x-ray of a hypopharyngeal diverticulum

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Barium swallow x-ray of a hypopharyngeal diverticulum

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Surgical Treatment

Endoscopic staple diverticulostomy (ESD) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat patients with Zenker’s diverticulum.

Learn more about ESD

Alternative Treatments to Surgery

There are no other treatments available to treat patients with Zenker’s diverticulum effectively. Surgery is the only treatment that will permanently relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.

In patients who do not desire surgical treatment, alterations in diet may help lessen the side effects of the pouch. No medications are available that will treat Zenker’s diverticulum.

Untreated Zenker's Diverticulum

If Zenker's diverticulum is left untreated, patients will continue having difficulty swallowing.

The risks associated with having Zenker’s diverticulum are weight loss, malnutrition, and pneumonia caused by food entering the lungs from the pouch. Although uncommon, these can be life-threatening.

Appointments

If you think you have Zenker's diverticulum, you should discuss your problem with a voice or swallowing specialist. Make an appointment

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Scher, Richard L.
  • Surgery / Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Otolaryngology of Raleigh
  Duke Medicine Plaza, 3480 Wake Forest Road, Suite 404, Raleigh, NC 27609
• Duke Otolaryngology, Head and Neck, ENT
  Duke Clinic 1H, Purple Zone, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710