Esophageal Diverticula
What is it?
Esophageal diverticula are small pockets or pouches that can form in the esophagus or food pipe that connects your mouth to your stomach. Though diverticula are uncommon, they are typically a sign of another esophageal issue.
What are the symptoms?
Esophageal diverticula are typically associated with esophageal dysmotility, achalasia, or esophageal strictures, so their symptoms are associated with those diseases. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck
- Regurgitating of food
- Heartburn or reflux
- Chest pain
How is it diagnosed?
Esophageal diverticula are either diagnosed with an EGD or upper endoscopy where a flexible camera is used to evaluate the esophagus and stomach. They can also be found incidentally on X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
How is it treated?
Esophageal diverticula are typically caused by underlying esophageal disorders such as esophageal dysmotility, achalasia, or esophageal strictures. Treatment is usually aimed at the underlying cause. The repair of esophageal diverticula involves surgical closure for symptomatic and large diverticula.
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