Dysphagia and esophageal diverticula

Normal swallowing depends on a highly integrated sequence of esophageal contractions and relaxations. When the upper or lower sphincter or the tubular esophagus in between fails to function properly, the abnormal pressures created may cause diverticula to form. Initial symptoms are mild and transitory, but severe obstruction and regurgitation may eventually occur, requiring surgery. Traction diverticula, resulting from an inflammatory process, occasionally develop, but their frequency has been overestimated.