Скачать или смотреть Zenker's Diverticulum

Zenker's diverticulum, also known as pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, is a relatively rare condition that involves the development of a pouch or outpouching in the esophagus, specifically in the area just above the esophagus and below the throat. This condition is named after the German pathologist Friedrich Albert von Zenker, who first described it in the 19th century.

Zenker's diverticulum typically forms in an area known as Killian's dehiscence, which is a weak point in the muscular wall between the throat (pharynx) and the esophagus. It's thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including increased pressure within the pharynx during swallowing, dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (a muscular ring that controls the movement of food and fluids from the pharynx to the esophagus), and age-related changes in the tissues.

The most common symptoms of Zenker's diverticulum include:

1. Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, particularly for solid foods.
2. Regurgitation: The undigested food, liquids, or mucus that gets trapped in the pouch can be regurgitated back into the mouth.
3. Halitosis: Bad breath due to the retention of food particles and bacteria in the diverticulum.
4. Coughing: Coughing and choking can occur when food or liquid from the diverticulum enters the trachea (windpipe) and causes irritation.
5. Weight Loss: Over time, the difficulty in eating can lead to unintentional weight loss.

Diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Barium swallow studies or contrast esophagram can often reveal the presence of the diverticulum and show how food and liquids move through the esophagus.

Treatment for Zenker's diverticulum usually involves surgical intervention, especially if the symptoms are severe and affecting the patient's quality of life. The most common surgical approaches include:

1. Diverticulectomy: This involves removing the diverticulum surgically, usually through an incision in the neck.
2. Diverticulopexy: In this procedure, the diverticulum is not removed but is instead repositioned and sutured to prevent food and liquid from accumulating in it.
3. Myotomy: This involves cutting the muscular wall of the esophagus to improve the movement of food and fluids into the stomach.

The choice of treatment depends on the size of the diverticulum, its location, and the patient's overall health. The surgical procedures are generally effective at relieving symptoms and improving the patient's ability to swallow.

In summary, Zenker's diverticulum is a rare condition characterized by the development of an outpouching in the esophagus just above the throat. It can lead to difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, bad breath, coughing, and weight loss. Surgical intervention is often necessary to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.