Rav Gastro Esoph Zenker Diverticulum

Front 1

def/ clinica

Back 1

Pathogenesis. Zenker diverticulum is the outpocketing of the posterior pharyngeal constrictor
, muscles at the back of the pharynx.
Clinical Presentation. This is generally a very slowly developing problem that occurs in older
patients. These patients have bad breath and difficulty initiating swallowing because it is such a
, proximal lesion. Patients also complain of having to repeatedly clear their throats and waking
up with undigested, regurgitated food on their pillow. This is particularly unpleasant because
the food was usually eaten several days ago.

Front 2

ds/ tx

Back 2

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is made on barium studies.
Treatment. Endoscopy and the placement of nasogastric tubes are contraindicated because of
the risk of developing perforation of the pharynx. Patients with Zenker diverticulum are treated
with surgical resection.