Final answer:
Zenker's diverticulum is treated primarily through surgical repair or endoscopic procedures. Surgical repair usually involves removal of the pouch and a muscle cut to prevent recurrence, while endoscopic treatments are less invasive and are performed through the mouth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment Options for Zenker's Diverticulum
Zenker's diverticulum, a condition characterized by a pouch forming in the lining of the throat near the esophagus, can cause difficulty swallowing, coughing, and the sensation of food being stuck in the throat. Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. The two primary treatment options for Zenker's diverticulum are surgical repair and endoscopic procedures.
Surgical Repair
The more traditional approach, called open diverticulectomy, involves the removal of the diverticular pouch and often includes a cricopharyngeal myotomy, which is the cutting of the muscle to prevent recurrence. This procedure requires an external incision in the neck.
Endoscopic Procedures
A less invasive treatment is an endoscopic approach, where the procedure is performed through the mouth. This can include endoscopic stapling or laser-assisted diverticulotomy, where the wall between the diverticulum and the esophagus is sectioned to allow food to pass more easily.
Selection of the appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the size of the diverticulum, the patient's overall health, and the presence of symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is necessary if the diverticulum is small and not causing problems.