$Unique_ID{BRK00883}
$Pretitle{Digestive System, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is "Zenker"?}
$Subject{Zenker's diverticulum swallowing}
$Volume{I-10, N-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Zenker"?


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QUESTION:  A problem with my eating has been diagnosed as caused by something
called "Zenker".  I am very concerned.  Could you shed a little light on this
situation for me?

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ANSWER:  I would be happy to.  Known as Zenker's diverticulum, or pocket (or
in medical terminology, a pharyngeal diverticulum) it is a pouch in the
esophagus that can entrap food and mucus.  It can cause difficulty with
swallowing, problems with breathing, vomiting, hoarseness, lung abscess,
inflammations, neck pain, coughing, and in rare cases, cancer.
     Zenker's pocket is most prevalent in people over the age of 70.  It
occurs in men about 3 times as often as women.  Although there is no known
definitive cause, the most widely accepted hypothesis is that the pocket is
the result of incoordination of the swallowing mechanism.  This can produce
abnormal pressure on an area of the esophagus, which can lead to herniation
that forms a sac, and once that begins, the sac elongates as a result of
gravity.
     Surgery to remove the diverticulum is recommended for almost all patients
with this condition.  If the problem is left untreated, the complications can
be extremely weakening.  In rare cases, Zenker's pocket can recur after
surgical removal, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
     The only right way to deal with your concern, in this case, is to follow
your doctors council.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
