General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
A Zenker diverticulum is a pouch in the upper oesophagus, near a muscle with excessive pressure. Food can collect in the pouch.
As the pouch fills, a person may feel food sticking when swallowing or experience passive non-acid regurgitation. A soft lump in the neck may appear when it is very large.
Persistent difficulty swallowing or repeated coughing at meals warrants a medical consultation. These signs alone cannot identify a diverticulum: an assessment is needed.
At Lyon university hospitals, endoscopic treatment involves cutting the relevant muscle to reduce the pressure. The technique chosen depends on the assessment and the centre.
Flexible or rigid endoscopic approaches and open surgery involve different arrangements. Ask why an option is proposed, its risks and what is planned if it does not work.
Assessment of swallowing problems can involve several professionals and help tailor meals or rehabilitation. Ask when results will be explained and which instructions to follow in the meantime.
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