A pouch-like bulge that develops in a section of the esophageal wall. There are two primary types: a pharyngeal pouch (also referred to as Zenker’s or pulsion diverticulum) and a mid-esophageal diverticulum (also known as a traction diverticulum).
This variant is situated at the uppermost part of the esophagus, where it connects to the pharynx (throat). The pouch typically protrudes towards the rear. The underlying cause is the failure of the sphincter (a circular muscle) at the esophageal entrance to relax properly during swallowing due to muscular coordination issues. Instead of allowing the passage of food, the sphincter opposes it. As the forceful throat muscles used in swallowing counteract this resistance, a portion of the esophageal lining is pushed through the wall, resulting in the formation of the diverticulum.
Once the diverticulum takes shape, it progressively expands. Food and liquids can get trapped within it, potentially leaking into the trachea (windpipe), which leads to bouts of coughing and recurring chest infections. Typically, this condition is managed through surgical intervention.
This condition involves the development of a pouch situated lower in the esophagus. It seldom produces symptoms and might be incidentally detected. Treatment is generally unnecessary in most cases.