ZENKERS DIVERTICULUM - REAPPRAISAL

For more than 2 centuries, the nature and pathophysiology of pharyngoe sophageal (Zenker's) diverticulum has been a matter of argument, The i ntrinsic or extrinsic forces and structures that might play a role in the development of this disorder have been repeatedly scrutinized, and still today the different theories of muscular incoordination and/or spasm, cricopharyngeal achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, or neuromus cular abnormalities try to find their way as the final word regarding etiology remains to be told, Options for treatment follow a similar pa ttern although myotomy and diverticulopexy seem to have yielded the be st results, In this review, historical and current data gathered from the world literature are compiled in an attempt to give a clear overvi ew of the pathophysiology surrounding the genesis of Zenker's divertic ulum and the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and different alterna tives for definite treatment of this disorder.