Management of Zenker and Hypopharyngeal Diverticula

Normal swallowing is essential to the maintenance of physical and psychological health. Disruption of the ability to swallow, known as dysphagia, can compromise nutrition, adversely impact social interaction and enjoyment, and ultimately lead to a reduced overall quality of life and life expectancy. Although many disorders can lead to alterations in swallowing function and ability, Zenker’s diverticula (ZD) and other hypopharyngeal diverticula represent a unique set of pathologies that can have a significant negative impact on individuals in whom these develop. Over the past century, significant medical advances have occurred allowing patients with diverticula to receive effective treatment. These treatments have resulted in resolution of the deleterious health effects seen with these conditions, with recent surgical innovations reducing the impact of treatment on patients with ZD and hypopharyngeal diverticula. These newer, minimally invasive surgical treatment approaches have made treatment safer and more effective for a patient group that is generally older and often ill with other medical conditions. As the population in general ages, these techniques can be offered to more and more patients with expectations for significant benefit.