Open Cervical Approach for Zenker's Diverticulum: A Retrospective Case Series

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is an acquired outpouching of the mucosa and the submucosa through a point of weakness between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscles. It commonly presents with dysphagia, regurgitation, and halitosis. We retrospectively reviewed seven patients treated with open cervical surgery between 2010 and 2025. Six underwent diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy, and one underwent diverticulopexy. The mean age was 59.4 years, and 85.7% were male. All patients experienced dysphagia, and regurgitation and halitosis were present in 42.8% each. Diagnosis was established through a barium swallow study, with complementary imaging performed in selected cases. No postoperative complications or mortality occurred. The mean hospital stay was 2.4 days, and after a mean follow-up of 7 months, no recurrences or reinterventions were observed. Open cervical surgery remains a safe and effective option in properly selected patients, although the small sample size and short follow-up warrant cautious interpretation of these findings.