The Pulse | Friday, December 28, 2018

Word of the Week: Zenker’s Diverticulum

This week, we are highlighting “Zenker’s Diverticulum” as the Word of the Week. As always, all of the terms and definitions are sourced from our very own SGNA GI/Endoscopy Nursing Review Course Certification Study Manual, 3rd Edition (2016).

Zenker’s Diverticulum: Zenker's diverticulum, is a hypopharyngeal diverticulum. It is an acquired sac-like outpouching of the mucosa and submucosa layers originating from the pharyngoesophageal junction pouch that can form at the junction of the hypopharynx (lower part of the throat) and the esophagus. Formed as a result of a dysfunctioning upper esophageal sphincter. 

• Symptoms
  • Bad breath
  • Aspiration from food lodged in the diverticulum
• Origin
  • It was named in 1877 by German pathologist Friedrich Albert von Zenker.