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Updated: May 17, 2026
08:32
Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
Dysphagia characteristics in Zenker's diverticulum
Jennifer L Bergeron1, Jennifer L Long, Dinesh K Chhetri
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. jbergeron@mednet.ucla.edu
Summary
Postswallow hypopharyngeal reflux (PSHR) is more common in larger Zenker
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Sciences
Background:
- Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a condition causing dysphagia.
- Understanding dysphagia characteristics is crucial for ZD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate dysphagia characteristics in patients with Zenker's diverticulum (ZD).
- To correlate dysphagia symptoms and swallowing abnormalities with ZD size.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series with chart review of surgically treated ZD patients.
- Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) used to assess dysphagia.
- Comparison of symptoms and FEES findings based on diverticulum size (small, medium, large).
Main Results:
- Regurgitation and postswallow hypopharyngeal reflux (PSHR) were more frequent in medium and large ZD compared to small ZD.
- PSHR was present in all recurrent/residual ZD cases and resolved post-treatment.
- Pharyngeal residue, indicating potential weakness, was noted in 24% of patients.
Conclusions:
- PSHR on preoperative FEES predicts ZD larger than 1 cm and aids surgical planning.
- PSHR is valuable in identifying recurrent or residual ZD post-surgery.
- Pharyngeal weakness is a notable finding in a subset of ZD patients.
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