Normal swallowing is essential to the maintenance of physical and psychological health.
Disruption of the ability to swallow known as dysphagia can compromise nutrition adversely
impact social interaction and enjoyment and ultimately lead to a reduced overall quality of
life and life expectancy. Although many disorders can lead to alterations in swallowing
function and ability Zenker's diverticula (ZD) and other hypopharyngeal diverticula represent
a unique set of pathologies that can have a significant negative impact on individuals in whom
these develop. Over the past century significant medical advances have occurred allowing
patients with diverticula to receive effective treatment. These treatments have resulted in
resolution of the deleterious health effects seen with these conditions with recent surgical
innovations reducing the impact of treatment on patients with ZD and hypopharyngeal
diverticula. These newer minimally invasive surgical treatment approaches have made treatment
safer and more effective for a patient group that is generally older and often ill with other
medical conditions. As the population in general ages these techniques can be offered to more
and more patients with expectations for significant benefit. This book will serve as an
invaluable resource for surgeons and clinicians responsible for the evaluation and care of
patients with Zenker's diverticula (ZD) and hypopharyngeal diverticula. The book reviews the
surgical treatment approaches used historically as a context to a thorough discussion and
presentation of newer less invasive endoscopic approaches for therapy. The surgical techniques
used with these endoscopic approaches and the technological advances that have made them
possible is also presented in detail along with the results indications limitations and
alternatives to these treatments. Expected clinical outcomes with these approaches are
contrasted with alternative more invasive surgical techniques that remain useful in select
situations. Detailed information on these more invasive techniques are also presented along
with more novel investigational treatment approaches including endoscopic therapy. Written by
experts in the field of otolaryngology speech language pathology gastroenterology and
radiology Management of Zenker's and Hypopharyngeal Diverticula will serve as an invaluable
resource for surgeons clinicians and students dealing with and learning about ZD and
hypopharyngeal diverticula. The most up-to-date information is comprehensively offered to
provide a primary source of clinical information for those caring for these patients.
