Quick Links
For Patients
For Physicians
- Refer a patient to a specialist
- Order labs for patients
- Order radiology for patients
- Order At-Home Services
- Get your practice listed
For Companies
© Copyright 2024 American TelePhysicians. All rights reserved.
Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) refers to a muscular pouch formed at the lower end of the throat and the beginning of the esophagus (food pipe). The pouch is formed because a muscle called cricopharyngeal fails to relax during swallowing. The overtightening of the cricopharyngeal muscle provokes the normal anatomy of the throat to distort, causing outpouching at the region of the lower throat and upper esophagus. As a result, the food accumulates and gets stuck in this pouch, leading to subsequent obstruction. Untreated cases can lead to severe compaction of food and saliva.