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Esophageal diverticula (esophageal pouches) is abnormal protrusion from the
esophagus that in rare cases can result in difficulty of swallowing. There are 3
types of Esophageal diverticula: epipnrenic pouch; traction diverticulum or
midesophageal pouch; and Zenker’s diverticulum or pharyngeal pouch. Each of
those has a different cause, but possibly all are related to muscle relaxation
and uncoordinated swallowing, as can exist in disorders including diffuse
esophageal spasms and achalasia. A large pouch may fill with meal that can be
later regurgitated, when the individual bends over or lies down. This can result
in foods to be inhaled into the lung at the time of sleeping, causing aspiration
pneumonias. In rare cases, the pouch can enlarge and result in difficulty of
swallowing. Cineradiograph (x-ray that produces a moving image as a patient
swallows barium) and a video x-ray is used to diagnose esophageal diverticula.
Treatment is not usually required, although surgery may remove the pouches if
swallowing remains difficult, or aspirations into the lung are likely.
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