Zenker's Diverticulum Research Articles

Challenging Airway Management in Patients With Zenker’s Diverticulum

The acquired hypopharyngeal diverticulum (Zenker’s) is characterized by a posterior wall outpouching of the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosa through the vulnerable points of the pharyngoesophageal junction. We describe the case of a 67-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with Zenker's diverticulum and had complaints of dysphagia and halitosis. An endoscopic treatment (diverticulotomy) was performed without difficulties. The anesthetic management included rapid sequence induction, avoiding succinylcholine, and intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine. The neuromuscular blockade was reversed using sugammadex, decreasing the risk of failed extubation and possible airway re-intervention. The patient was discharged home the following day without complications.

69-Year Old Man With Dysphagia and Nasal Regurgitation

69-Year Old Man With Dysphagia and Nasal Regurgitation

Carbon Dioxide Laser Endoscopic Surgery for Zenker Diverticulum; A First Reported Case in Malaysia

Carbon Dioxide Laser Endoscopic Surgery for Zenker Diverticulum; A First Reported Case in Malaysia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for a residual Zenker's diverticulum following endoscopic myotomy.

Video 1Peroral endoscopic myotomy for a residual Zenker's diverticulum following endoscopic myotomy.

Zenker Diverticulum: Does Size Correlate with Preoperative Symptoms?

Introduction Zenker diverticulum (ZD) usually affects adults after the 7 th decade of life. Treatment for ZD is indicated for all symptomatic patients, but some patients prefer to defer surgical treatment until symptoms get worse and decrease their quality of life. Objective To evaluate the association of the preoperative symptoms in ZD patients with the size of the ZD. Methods A retrospective study design. Electronic medical records were used to identify patients diagnosed with ZD and treated over 11 years. Data collection included the chief complaints and symptoms, medical history, and findings on radiologic swallow evaluations of the patients. The diverticulum size was stratified into 3 groups: small (< 1 cm), moderate (1–3 cm), and large (> 3 cm). Results A total of 165 patients were enrolled and stratified by diverticulum size (48 small, 67 medium, and 50 large). Dysphagia, cough, and regurgitation were the most prevalent symptoms. Dysphonia was more frequent among patients with a small pouch. Logistic regression analysis showed that dysphagia and choking were associated with large and medium diverticulum size ( p < 0.05 ) . Additionally, dysphonia was significantly associated with the presence of a small-sized ZD ( p < 0.04). Conclusion Upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as dysphagia and choking may be associated with a ZD > 1 cm and should always be evaluated. Additionally, the presence of dysphonia was found to be correlated with a ZD < 1 cm, suggesting that a prompt and appropriate fluoroscopic evaluation must be considered in those patients in whom no other clear cause of dysphonia is evident.

Zenker Diverticulum

Zenker Diverticulum is a multifactorial disorder of the Killian’s triangle in thehypopharynx characterized by the main symptoms of dysphagia affecting theseventh and eighth decades of age and rarely under 40 years of age. The existenceof factors that cause an increase in the intraluminal pressure of the pharynx willlead to the formation of a pocket located in the Killian’s triangle, an area with weakertone of the hypopharyngeal wall and a decrease in relative pressure in theretropharyngeal space. Zenker Diverticulum was first described by Ludlow in 1769,who reported abnormal dilatation of the posterior pharyngeal wall on postmortemexamination of a patient who complained a lifelong dysphagia. Zenker Diverticulumis thought to be associated with increasing age in relation to motor musclecoordination for swallowing functions and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).Symptoms include dysphagia, regurgitation, malnutrition, and recurrent aspirationpneumonia. Management includes invasive surgery and non-invasive endoscopy.

Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy: State of the Art.

For more than a decade, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been performed for the treatment of achalasia and other dysmotilities of the esophagus. POEM has become an accepted alternative to Heller myotomy, a salvation technique for patients not responding to Heller myotomy and the favorite intervention for diffuse esophageal spasm and jackhammer esophagus. POEM paved the way for endoscopic pyloromyotomy, Zenker's diverticulum myotomy, and submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection. This review will cover the technique and the most current literature of this revolutionary third space technique.

Management strategies for atrial fibrillation and flutter in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter (AFL) are common in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM). Ventricular rate control drugs in ATTR-CM are poorly tolerated but data addressing tolerability and efficacy of rhythm control strategies is limited. Purpose We report characteristics and outcomes of AF/AFL in a cohort with ATTR-CM. Methods A single center observational study of patients seen at our Amyloidosis Center with wild-type or hereditary ATTR-CM diagnosed between 2005–2019. Treatment was prescribed as per treating cardiologists. Results Eighty-four patients with ATTR-CM (average age 74±10 years, 94% male) had mean follow-up of 27.6±22.8 months. AF/AFL occurred in 61 patients (73%). Clinically significant rapid ventricular response (RVR) was common as well attempted rate control with AV node blockers (Table 1). However, discontinuation was frequent (80%), often for adverse effects of hypotension (33%), bradycardia (15%), or presyncope/syncope (10%). Rhythm control was initiated in 64%, most often with cardioversion (DCCV) or ablation (Table 2). Post-DCCV recurrence was common (91%) and time to recurrence did not differ with use of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD; 5.8 months (IQR 1.9–12.5) vs without AAD 6.2 months (IQR 1.9–12.5) p=0.83). TEE was performed for 33% of DCCV with thrombus seen in 11% of cases – all patients who were not anticoagulated at the time. TEE was otherwise deferred due to known AF/AFL duration &amp;lt;48 hours (13%) or adequate anticoagulation (54%). Ablation was performed in 23% of patients with AFL (all for typical AFL) with 2 patients (14%) having recurrence after mean of 60.9 months. Pulmonary vein isolation for AF was performed in 12% (86% for persistent AF) with 86% recurrence after median of 6.2 months (IQR 5.6–12.3). Most patients (62%) with rhythm control had subjective improvement (≥1 NYHA class or resolved palpitations). Among AAD, amiodarone was most well tolerated with only 8% of patient discontinuing due to side effects. DCCV and ablation resulted in no direct complications although one patient had a perforation of a previously unknown Zenker diverticulum during TEE pre-DCCV. Conclusions In our ATTR-CM cohort, AF/AFL was common. Rate control was poorly tolerated and often abandoned. While rhythm control of AF/AFL had a favorable safety profile and successful conversion to sinus rhythm led to symptomatic improvement in a majority of cases, durable success with rhythm control was limited, often requiring multiple therapies. DCCV is only modestly successful and not significant improved with AAD. Ablation was successful in cases of cavo-tricuspid isthmus dependent AFL but had limited success in AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

S3369 Endoscopic Diverticulotomy for Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum: A Single Institution Experience and Outcomes

S3369 Endoscopic Diverticulotomy for Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum: A Single Institution Experience and Outcomes

S2168 A Rare Cause of Progressive Dysphagia

Introduction: Esophageal diverticulum is a rare entity resulting from outpouching of the mucosa through the muscularis layer. Often times patients present with symptoms of dysphagia or regurgitation. We present an unusual case of long-standing dysphagia as a complication of prior cervical discectomy and fusion. Case Description/Methods: 73-year-old female presented with a one-year history of progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids. Her past medical history was significant for cervical degenerative joint disease status post anterior cervical discectomy and fusion 13 years ago, as well as breast cancer treated with chemoradiation about 4 years prior. A barium esophagram demonstrated a large filling diverticulum in the upper esophagus consistent with a Zenker’s diverticulum. Further endoscopic evaluation revealed a small esophageal diverticulum with evidence of a metal plate and screws within the diverticulum (Image A). Her long-standing symptoms were likely due to the perforating hardware rather than the small size diverticulum. She underwent surgical removal of previous hardware with repair of the diverticulum. Intraoperative findings were consistent with a traction diverticulum. Discussion: Esophageal diverticula can be characterized based on their mechanism of formation. A traction diverticulum occurs secondary to an external force which adheres and pulls the wall of the esophagus creating a defect. Conversely pulsion diverticulum, a Zenker diverticulum, is formed due to increased intraluminal pressure resulting in the outpouching.Figure 1.: Endoscopic image of esophageal diverticulum with screws and metal plate.

753 SCARLESS APPROACH FOR KILLIAN JAMIESON DIVERTICULUM: TRANSORAL ENDOSCOPIC ASSISTED ESOPHAGODIVERTICULOSTOMY

Abstract Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum (KJD) is a rare variant of proximal esophageal diverticulum that arises from the Killian-Jamieson area (antero-lateral). It differs from the more common Zenkers diverticulum which usually arise from the posterior aspect of the proximal esophagus. The choice of surgical intervention for symptomatic KJD is still unclear due its rare incidence and surgeons still prefer the transcutaneous cervical approach. Here we present the transoral endoscopic assisted esophagodiverticulostomy approach and the relevant literature. Methods 26 year old male presented with progressive dysphagia for the past two years. A Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum was diagnosed after an Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and Barium swallow. Patient underwent a transoral endoscopic assisted esophagodiverticulostomy. Results The surgery was uneventful and no complications were observed post-operatively. A year after the surgery patient is asymptomatic and no sign of recurrence. Conclusion Transoral endoscopic assisted esophagodiverticulostomy is a safe approach for treatment of symptomatic KJD. In this era of minimally invasive surgery it should be considered when formulating a treatment approach based on its obvious advantages.

A cooperative approach for treatment of Zenker's diverticulum.

Symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum management has evolved from an open intervention to an endoscopic management. At our center, both an otolaryngologist and a gastroenterologist are present in the operating room when treating these lesions. An intra-procedural consensus is reached to undergo either rigid endoscopy or flexible endoscopic diverticulotomy with ENT guidance. We evaluated the real-world efficacy with a cooperative gastroenterology-otolaryngology approach. Single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent a cooperative endoscopic diverticulotomy by a gastroenterologist and otolaryngologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida between 2012 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data, intra-procedural findings/complications, post-procedural symptoms, recurrence rate, and reintervention variables were extracted. Patients included in the study were > 17years old, with symptomatic confirmed typical single Zenker's diverticulum. 63 subjects were identified. Patients were predominantly males (63.5%) and white (84.1%), with mean age 73.5years (53-95). Most subjects presented dysphagia (98.4%), mostly to solids (79.4%). Other demographic and clinical data are described in Table 1. The diverticula had a mean size of 36.3 mm. In 30.1% of the cases food debris was found during the procedure. The mean procedure length was 38.4 minutes. All cases were performed as outpatient. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Patients were followed for a mean of 3.24months post-procedure. Clinical success was achieved in 92% subjects. One intra-procedural perforation was treated with endoclip. Table 1 Pre-procedural demographic and clinical variables in patients undergoing Zenker's diverticulum cooperative approach Variable Value (n = 63) Sex, n (%) Male Female 40 (63.5) 23 (36.5) Ethnicity/Race, n (%) Non-Hispanic White Hispanic Black 53 (84.1) 7 (11.1) 3 (4.8) Smoking status, n (%) Never Former Active 29 (46.0) 26 (41.3) 8 (10.7) Previous intervention for Zenker's diverticulum, n (%) 12 (19.1) Dysphagia, n (%) Only to solids Only to liquids Both solids and liquids 50 (79.4) 0 (0) 12 (19.0) Regurgitation of food, n (%) Chronic cough, n (%) 13 (20.6) Halitosis, n (%) 9 (14.3) CONCLUSION: A cooperative endoscopic approach by gastroenterology and otolaryngology for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum management offered excellent technical and clinical success. This approach proved to be safe and effective.

Zenker's diverticulum: advancing beyond the tunnel.

Background and AimsZenker’s diverticulum (ZD) is attributed to a poorly compliant cricopharyngeus muscle, and the mainstay of treatment is a cricopharyngeal myotomy. We present a video series summarizing endoscopic treatment options for ZD and related conditions.MethodsWe review the rationale and key technique for various endoscopic treatment modalities for ZD, cricopharyngeal bar, and other esophageal diverticula.ResultsStandard flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy involves the division of the common wall or septum of the ZD, aiming for complete transection of the cricopharyngeus. However, recurrence rates are high, likely owing to incomplete myotomy. Zenker’s peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM) uses a proximal submucosal tunnel to provide direct visualization of the cricopharyngeus and septum, allowing confirmation of complete myotomy. We demonstrate an over-the-septum modification to simplify the technique. Submucosal fibrosis, commonly seen in patients with prior treatment, limits submucosal dissection. We present a hybrid technique to overcome this, whereby a traditional septotomy is performed until submucosal tissue is visualized. The intact mucosal flap after Z-POEM in a large ZD may contribute to residual dysphagia. We propose Z-POEM with mucosotomy for large ZD. Finally, we demonstrate modifications for treatment of other esophageal diseases, including cricopharyngeal bar and non-Zenker’s esophageal diverticula.ConclusionEndoscopic treatment options for ZD and related conditions are rapidly expanding. With careful tailoring to individual patient characteristics, our expanding arsenal of options allows effective and safe treatment of a broad spectrum of patients.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a dislodgement complication due to a moving hiatal hernia

Objectives: Frail patients with malnourishment due to an esophageal condition and dysphagia are often unamenable to safe surgery. Thus, in high-risk patients, less invasive techniques such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are regarded as a safer choice. Nevertheless, as described here, PEG insertion can have rare serious complications. Materials and methods: We report the case of a frail patient with dysphagia due to a large Zenker's diverticulum and concomitant giant hiatal hernia. To improve her nutrinitional status before surgery she received a PEG after endoscopic repositioning of the hernia. Results: Within 48 hours after hernia repositioning and PEG insertion, a severe adverse event ensued: dislodgement of the PEG due to stomach reherniation. Conclusions: This case challenges the use of PEG as an only means for gastric fixation for hiatal hernia.

Natural History of Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction Symptomatology.

Cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) is a common cause for progressive dysphagia and can lead to dietary restriction, reduced nutrition, weight loss, and pneumonia. There is a continuum between small, non-obstructive cricopharyngeus bars representing mild disease and severely obstructive bars or Zenker's diverticulum forming late-stage disease, but the natural history of untreated CPMD and the associated time course for progression is unknown. Retrospective longitudinal cohort study from a tertiary outpatient dysphagia centre. Patients diagnosed with CPMD by fluoroscopy and either awaiting surgical treatment or electing non-operative management were evaluated through prospectively collected Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Review of available imaging identified degree of CPMD. We identified 174 patients with CPMD diagnosed between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2020; 52 patients had serial Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) measures obtained at time of diagnosis and follow up appointment without operative treatment. Mean EAT-10 scores increased from 17.1 to 20.6 (3.5 ± 8.1 points, p = 0.002) points. This change was related to those with a Zenker's diverticulum rather than an isolated cricopharyngeus bar. Dietary outcomes measured by FOIS were stable. While some patients showed fluoroscopic progression of bar size, no patients developed a Zenker's diverticulum from a pre-existing bar in this population. Our data indicate patients with a cricopharyngeus bar do not decline in subjective dysphagia score or diet tolerance, however those with a Zenker's diverticulum worsen over time. This has implications for treatment timing and counselling patients but also reflects a need to understand the pathophysiology behind CPMD and the subset of patients who show progression.

Dysphagia in an Adolescent with Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Dysphagia in an Adolescent with Iron Deficiency Anemia.

The upper esophageal sphincter in the high-resolution manometry era.

The evaluation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) has been neglected during routine manometric tests for decades, mostly due to the limitations of the conventional manometry which were eventually overcome by high-resolution manometry (HRM). This study reviewed the current knowledge of the manometric evaluation of the UES in health and disease in the HRM era. We found that HRM allowed more precise measurements, in addition to the parameters as compared to conventional manometry, but most of them still need confirmation of the clinical significance. The parameters used to evaluate the UES were extension, basal pressure, residual pressure, relaxation duration, relaxation time to nadir, recovery time, intrabolus pressure, and deglutitive sphincter resistance. UES may be affected by different diseases: achalasia (UES is hypertonic with impaired relaxation), gastroesophageal reflux disease (UES is short and hypotonic), globus (UES ranges from normal to impaired relaxation to hypertonic), neurologic diseases (stroke and Parkinson - UES is hypotonic in early-stage to impaired relaxation in end-stage disease), and Zenker's diverticulum (UES has impaired relaxation). This review shows that UES dysfunction is part of several disease processes and that the study of the UES is possible and valuable with the aid of HRM.

Advances in endoscopic therapy using grasping-type scissors forceps (with video).

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a globally accepted minimally invasive therapy for early-stage gastrointestinal tract tumors. Although numerous electrosurgical knives have been developed for ESD, technical difficulties and high complication rates (bleeding and perforation) have limited their use worldwide. The grasping-type scissors forceps [clutch cutter (CC)] is the first forceps-type resection device developed with reference to hemostatic forceps. The aim was to allow easy and safe ESD throughout the gastrointestinal tract, as a biopsy technique, using one device. The CC can grasp the target tissue accurately and pull it away from the underlying muscle layer prior to energizing the tissue, for safe and effective incision and hemostasis during ESD. Reported clinical studies showed that ESD using the CC (ESD-CC) is a safe (perforation rate: 0%-3.6%; delayed bleeding rate: 0%-4.2%), technically efficient (en-bloc resection rate: 88.9%-100%), and single-device method for dissecting early-stage gastrointestinal tract tumors. The ESD-CC technique is simple and easy to learn because it can be completed simply by repeating the grasp, pull, and coagulate and/or incise actions using an electrosurgical current. The reported self-completion rate by non-experts was significantly better with the CC than with conventional knives (61.7% vs 24.5%, respectively; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the CC is used for other endoscopic therapies, such as endoscopic polypectomy for large pedunculated polyps, endoscopic myotomy for Zenker’s diverticulum, endoscopic treatment of buried bumper syndrome, and endoscopic necrosectomy for wall-off pancreatic necrosis. The initial reports using CC for these therapies have shown favorable results. In this review, we describe the structural features of the CC, how to use the instrument, efficacies of ESD-CC, and other unique endoscopic therapies using the CC.

Per‐oral endoscopic myotomy as treatment for Killian–Jamieson diverticulum

Killian–Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) is a rare type of esophageal diverticulum less commonly encountered compared with Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). Endoscopic approach for these diverticula has been rapidly evolving. Currently, a flexible endoscopic septum division is considered the first‐line treatment for symptomatic ZD patients, however reported recurrence rates are over 10% according to recent literature. With the advent of submucosal tunneling technique established by per‐oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia, it has been applied to treat ZD named as Zenker's diverticulum per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (Z‐POEM) as a minimally invasive treatment. Although there are very few reports utilizing submucosal tunneling approach to KJD, we have opted to perform Z‐POEM in order to safely perform complete dissection of the muscle septum while maintaining mucosal integration. Due to the difficulty of anatomical location of KJD, we created mucosal incision and subsequent submucosal tunnel directly at the level of the septum as opposed to creating a submucosal tunnel few centimeters proximal to the septum as being previously proposed. We report a case in which this technique was successfully performed with complete resolution of dysphagia without any adverse event. This technique permits to perform complete myotomies without the fear of causing perforation. Although larger cohorts are required to assess its safety and efficacy, Z‐POEM to treat KJD seems to be promising.

Rare giant zenker’s diverticulum with mediastinal extension

Zenker’s Diverticulum (ZD) is a herniation of the posterior pharyngeal wall between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscle through a natural weakness [1]. The main clinical presentation is progressive solid food and pill dysphagia, with subsequent weight loss, halitosis, and regurgitation, complicated by the occurrence of several aspiration and recurrent pneumonia when extended into the chest [2,3]. Indeed, only rare few cases of massive mediastinal extension were reported in the literature [3].