Zenkers Diverticulum

What is Zenker’s diverticulum (pharyngeal pouch) (ZD)?

Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare, benign condition. In this condition, a large sac develops in the upper part of the oesophagus (gullet/food pipe), known medically as a pharyngeal pouch. This results because of muscle spasm in at the beginning of gullet. .

What are the common symptoms?

The most common symptoms are difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation of food and choking during eating. People sometimes wake up at night with coughing, due to pooling of food within the diverticulum which can cause frequent regurgitation and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. This occurs when food, saliva, liquids or vomit is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs.

Zenker’s diverticulum significantly affects people’s quality of life.

Prof Sauid Ishaq introduced a procedure to treat the condition in the UK in 2013 and we take referrals nationwide. We have won prizes when we have presented our data in national meetings. Patients only have to be in hospital for the day to have the procedure.

Treatment Options-

Traditionally ENT colleagues treat ZD with stapling operation that is considered a good treatment but requires general anaesthesia. Many patient with this condition are elderly with significant health problem hence not fit have general anaesthesia. In addition patient with short or recurrent pouch are less effectively treatment with this technique. Flexible endoscopic treatment in such patients is considered the first line treatment.

Flexible Endoscopic procedure to treat pharyngeal pouch (Zenker’s diverticulum)

In the last 10 years, Zenker’s diverticulum has been treated with a flexible endoscopy. (This is known medically as an endoscopic Zenker’s diverticulectomy.) A flexible telescope is passed over the tongue and down the throat and can be used to identify the pharyngeal sac. The bridge of muscle that leads to this sac is identified and is cut with a very small sophisticated knife. The base of this muscle is clipped with a metal clip to prevent any perforation (hole in the linings of the sac).

This treatment has been proved to be effective in over 85 per cent of cases. It is associated with a shorter hospital stay and reduces patient’s discomfort after the procedure. Patients are also able to starting eating again 24 hours after this endoscopic treatment. Therefore, the overall benefit of treating Zenker’s diverticulum with a flexible telescope is very high. One shot of antibiotics is sometimes given in some patients to prevent any infection.

What preparation is required?

This procedure is carried out with deep sedation with propofol. Patients are required to not eat solids for 24 hours (only liquids) and be nil by mouth (not able to eat) for at least 12 hours before the procedure.

What happens after the procedure?

Most patients can go home on the same day but a small number will need to be kept overnight for observation. These may include elderly patients, or those with a significant health problem or who have travelled from outside the region)

Are there any risks involving having an endoscopic Zenker’s diverticulectomy?

This procedure is considered safe; however, all procedures carry some risks. The most serious complication is perforation (a hole) at the site of the cut. If this is identified during the procedure, a clip is placed to secure it.

In a large series of patients (over 500) treated with this procedure, in up to five per cent of the patients, air leaked through the wall of the gullet. If this happens, you will need to stay in hospital and not eat or drink anything until this has healed. During this time, you will be fed with either a small tube through your nose into your stomach or through a drip into your vein in your arm.

You may require antibiotics to prevent infections. As in this procedure we have to cut the muscle, there is a two to three per cent risk of bleeding that can be secured with a clip during the procedure.

What if I have already had surgical treatment of my pouch and symptoms come back – can this be treated?

Many of the patients having this procedure are those who have had a recurrence of symptoms after previous surgery or who could not be treated because they are not able to have a general anaesthetic. As we carry out this procedure with deep sedation, this allows us to offer this procedure to almost all patients.

What if I am on medication to thin my blood?

It is very important, if you are on blood thinning medication, to inform the doctor during consultation as we have to monitor, or in many cases temporarily stop, this medication.

What if I have pacemaker?

This usually does not cause any problems with having the treatment, but it is important to inform the treating team.

Research in Zenker diverticulum

As we are one of the leading centres in world to offer this treatment, we are heavily involved in research and clinical trials to collect data to make this procedure safe and as effective as it can be. We may ask for your consent and help in participating in on-going studies. However, this is voluntary and it is totally up to you to enrol or opt out. This will not affect your treatment.

THIS TREATMENT IS CURRENTLY CARRIED OUT AT RUSSELL'S HALL HOSPITAL, DUDLEY. PLEASE CONTACT THE CLINIC FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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Zenkers Diverticulum