Zenkers Diverticulum
What Is Zenker's Diverticulum?
It is a pouch that forms in your pharynx, (an area just above your esophagus). This happens when there is pressure on your pharynx and it balloons out.
How Is It Treated?
Endoscopic repair: This is the most common method. .Your surgeon passes an endoscope (a small tube with a camera) down your throat. Next, the doctor staples the pouch to your esophagus so that food and liquid will pass more smoothly. Many patients go home the same day. You will be able to eat ice chips on the day of surgery and soft foods the next day. You need to eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, soft noodles, jello, soups, pudding, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies and ice cream until your surgeon tells you otherwise.
You might have a feeding tube in your nose. It may stay in for a week.
Open procedure: The surgeon fixes the pouch through a small cut on the front of your neck. You need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. You have a feeding tube in your nose. You may have stitches. You need to come back in a week for a check up and a leak study to see if the feeding tube can come out. If you have stitches, they will be taken out at this checkup.
CP myotomy: The cricopharyngeal muscle (a muscle that helps push food down your esophagus and into your stomach) is cut . This lets food pass smoothly.
It is done with either an open or an endoscopic method.
What Will My Restrictions Be?
• No strenuous activity for a week.
• No lifting more then 25 lbs for a week.
• If you have an open repair, you may shower 48 hrs after surgery.
• Please do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub until your stitches are out.
• Sleep at a 30° angle or on 2-3 extra pillows the first week.
• Avoid coughing hard or clearing your throat the first week.
Will I Have Pain?
You may notice:
• A sore throat.
• Pain in your ears.
• Pain at your incision site.
Your doctor will prescribe a narcotic pain medicine for you. You will also have a prescription for a stool softener because narcotics may cause constipation.
Do not take Ibuprofen or aspirin for at least 1 week after surgery or until cleared by your surgeon or primary doctor.
When Do I Need To Call The Doctor?
• If you have signs of a wound infection (fever, redness, swelling,
tenderness, pus like drainage)
• If you have a hard time breathing (go to ER or call 911)
• I f you have chest, upper back or neck pain
• If you cough up or vomit blood
• If you have a fever over 101°F
Who Do I Call?
Please call the ENT Clinic (608) 263-6190, weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
After hours and weekends, the paging operator answers the clinic number. Ask for the ENT resident on call. The resident will call you at your call back number.
We also have a toll free number 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 10/10/2012
Copyright © 10/10/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7436
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