ZENKER’S DIVERTICULUM: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

The authors report a case of Zenker’s diverticulum in a patient 72 years old who underwent surgery. The pharyngooesophageal function was investigated before and after cricopharyngeal myotomy and diverticulopexy, with oesophageal manometry. Preoperative manometry showed an incomplete relaxation of the upper oesophageal sphincter and increased of pharyngeal pressure. This diverticulum has a pulsion pathogenesis and in this case is not associated with gastroesophageal reflux. It is important to check whether an associated oesophageal pathology exist once Zenker’s diverticulum has been diagnosed: X-ray examination of oesophagus and stomach are capable of identifying the presence of diverticulum as well as other pathological association. In the case showed the clinical manifestation are represented by: cervical dysphagia, sensation of a foreign body while eating due to the accumulation of ingested food in the diverticulum, and noisy deglutition. The surgical treatment in this case consist of diverticulopexy with cricopharyngeal myotomy. This case is treated with diverticulopexy for two reason: because is not very big and to reduce post-operative period. In conclusion the authors shows the importance of this surgery for not very large sized pouches, and emphasise the importance of manometric and radiographic control in pre and post-operative period. This kind of surgery reduce postoperative complication and the period to stay in bed.