Zenker's diverticulum

Background

  • An out-pouching of the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosa through the cricopharyngeus muscle
  • Classified as false diverticulum in that it does not contain all layers of the intestinal wall, but only the mucosa and submucosa

Clinical Features

  • Dysphagia
  • Globus sensation
  • Regurgitation of undigested food
  • Halitosis

Differential Diagnosis

Dysphagia

Evaluation

  • Barium swallow
  • Rule out emergent causes of symptoms

Management

  • Often not treated, but surgery considered in some cases of particularly symptomatic diverticula[1]

Disposition

  • Discharge

See Also