Pharyngeal pouch Flashcards
What is another name for a pharyngeal pouch?
Zenker’s diverticulum
How does a pharyngeal pouch form?
Herniation of the pharyngeal mucosa through a point of weakness
Where does a pharyngeal pouch typically occur?
Between the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscle
Who is more commonly affected by a pharyngeal pouch?
Older
Men
What are the main features of a pharyngeal pouch?
dysphagia
regurgitation
aspiration
neck swelling which gurgles on palpation
halitosis
How is a pharyngeal pouch diagnosed?
Barium swallow combined with dynamic video fluoroscopy
What form of imaging should be avoided in someone with a pharyngeal pouch?
Avoid endoscopy due to risk of perforating the lesion
What is the management of a pharyngeal pouch if large?
Surgery
What is the management of a pharyngeal pouch is small and asymptomatic?
No management
What might you find on clinical examination of someone with a pharyngeal pouch?
Usually nothing but if large then a midline lump in the neck that gurgles on palpation
