$Unique_ID{BRK01105}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Zenker's Pouch?}
$Subject{Zenker's Pouch Diverticulum Digestive pouches diverticula esophagus
cricopharyngeal muscle barium swallow thyroidectomy}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Zenker's Pouch?


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QUESTION:  I have difficulty swallowing, and have a condition in my throat
diagnosed as Zenker's Pouch.  Must have had it for 4 years or more and had a
thyroidectomy years ago.  I've tried to get info on this condition, but all is
unclear and vague.  The doctors have suggested surgery and I hate to think of
it.  Please write something for me.

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ANSWER:  Your condition is classified as one of several outpouchings or
"diverticula" that may be found in the esophagus, the long tube that carries
food from the mouth to the stomach.  A Zenker's Diverticulum pushes backward
through the cricopharyngeal muscle, which is located near the thyroid
cartilage.  The pouch probably results from a lack of coordination between the
muscles helping to push the food down the esophagus and the loosening of the
cricopharyngeal muscle.  This creates the pressure which causes the muscles
which form the wall of the esophagus to push outward and form the pouch.
Sometimes this pouch can fill with bits of the food that is swallowed, and may
be regurgitated when you bend forward or lie down.  If this occurs at night
while you are sleeping, the food particles may pass down the breathing tubes
and cause a pneumonia to develop.  This type of diverticulum is best diagnosed
by a barium swallow as the barium, which is easily seen on x-rays, flows into
the pouch and makes it simple for the physician to diagnose.  Although in many
cases no treatment is required, when the problems and difficulties are too
much to manage surgery can be performed which removes the pouch and restores
the esophagus to normal.  If this description is still difficult to
understand, take it to your physician who can add a simple diagram that will
make it all much simpler.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.