Zenker’s diverticulum, more formally known as a hypopharyngeal diverticulum, is a pouch that can form at the junction of the hypopharynx (lower part of the throat) and the esophagus, an area known as Killian’s Triangle. This pouch typically causes problems by trapping food as it is being swallowed, leading to choking and aspiration.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Zenker's Diverticulum is diagnosed by:
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD):
- An upper endoscopy is a procedure used to visually examine your upper digestive system with a tiny camera. The camera is at the end of a long flexible tube. This is used to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the upper part of the digestive system. This procedure may be used to further investigate symptoms, to collect tissues samples, or treat the problems.
- Esophagram:
- An esophagram is a procedure is used to exam the esophagus. A physician may request an esophagram may be used to evaluate the patient's swallowing ability, look for bleeding or the cause of bleeding, and check for other health issues.
- Barium Swallow Study:
- A barium swallow study is a special type of imaging test that uses barium and x-rays to create images of the gastrointestinal tact (which includes the back of the mouth, throat, and esophagus). This study will allow the physician to see how you swallow.
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Infographic
