SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ZENKER'S DIVERTICULUM: A CASE REPORT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/ERR01v10n7-039Keywords:
Zenker's Diverticulum, Dysphagia, Esophageal Surgery, Case ReportAbstract
Introduction: Zenker's diverticulum is a rare disease of the cervical esophagus. Its incidence is estimated at 0.01% to 0.11% of the population, with a higher prevalence in men over 60 years of age. It is characterized by herniation of the mucosa and submucosa through the posterior pharyngeal wall. The main symptoms are dysphagia, regurgitation, and episodes of aspiration. Case report: An 81-year-old man presented with progressive dysphagia for over 5 years, initially with solids and later also with liquids, associated with frequent choking. He reported significant weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan of the chest and neck and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a 5.1-cm diverticulum. The patient underwent open diverticulectomy associated with cricopharyngeal myotomy, with satisfactory postoperative evolution and complete resolution of dysphagia after 3 months. Discussion: Early diagnosis is essential to prevent respiratory complications. Surgical treatment, whether open or endoscopic, yields excellent results when combined with myotomy. Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of clinical suspicion and appropriate surgical management of Zenker's diverticulum, highlighting its positive impact on quality of life.
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