| Theme |
Topics of the Gastrointestinal Diverticula |
| Title |
Diagnosis and Treatments for Esophageal Diverticulum |
| Author |
Junya Oguma |
Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Soji Ozawa |
Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Akihito Kazuno |
Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yasushi Yamasaki |
Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yamato Ninomiya |
Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Many patients with Zenker's diverticula have symptoms such as dysphagia and are indicated for treatment. Elderly men account for most of the patients, and are often diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Generally, upper gastrointestinal study series and esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy are performed for diagnosis. Esophageal manometry is useful for detecting disorder of laxness in the upper esophageal sphincter. The principle of treatment is surgery for symptomatic patients, and the standard operation is diverticulectomy. It is important during the operation that the diverticulum is detached completely from the surrounding tissue. Cricopharyngeal myotomy is additionally performed, and careful operation for prevention of surgical complication such as leakage and stenosis is required. Esophageal carcinoma arising in the diverticulum is rarely reported and should be considered in the treatment and follow‒up of patients with Zenker's diverticulum. |