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Manometric aspects of Zenker's diverticulum
1Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Hepato-Gastroenterology
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Zenker's diverticulum may stem from pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter coordination issues. Manometry studies offer conflicting evidence on dysmotility
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Zenker's diverticulum is theorized to arise from impaired coordination between the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter.
- Manometric studies investigating upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function in Zenker's diverticulum have yielded inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysmotility in the pathogenesis of Zenker's diverticulum.
- To reconcile conflicting evidence from manometric studies regarding UES pressure and relaxation in patients with Zenker's diverticulum.
Main Methods:
- Utilized manometric studies of the upper esophagus to assess UES pressure and relaxation patterns.
- Analyzed data comparing UES manometry findings in patients with and without Zenker's diverticulum.
Main Results:
- Resting UES pressure was found to be normal in some patients and decreased in others with Zenker's diverticulum.
- Abnormal premature UES relaxation and contraction, sometimes with pharyngeal contractions against a closed sphincter, were observed in some patients.
Conclusions:
- The precise role of UES dysmotility in Zenker's diverticulum formation remains debated.
- Further manometric research is necessary to fully elucidate the pathogenesis of Zenker's diverticulum.