Info
A. Introduction
- Uncommon
- Zenker's (upper)
- Middle
- Epiphrenic (lower)
B. Etiology
- Zenker's and epiphrenic from increased pressure in sphincter zone
- Mid-esophageal diverticuli may be due to tuberculosis
C. Symptoms
- Regurgitation
- Dysphagia
- Substernal (Atypical) Chest Pain (if infected)
D. Diagnosis
- Barium Swallow
- Endoscopy - may perforate so barium swallow usually done first
E. Therapy
- Myotomy - muscle is split in only one area
- Pneumatic dilatation in areas of narrowing
- May need anti-reflux medications
- Laparoscoipic resection of diverticula (diverticulectomy) now possible [3,4]
References
- Achkar E. 1998. Dig Dis. 16(3):144
- Ferraro P and Duranceau A. 1994. Chest Surg Clin N Am. 4(4):741
- Renz EM, Parker MV, Hetz SP. 2002. Curr Surg. 5992):190
- Altman JI, Genden EM, Moche J. 2005. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 114(5);347