What causes a Zenker diverticulum?
What causes a Zenker diverticulum? What causes Zenker's diverticulum? The cause of Zenker's diverticulum is abnormal tightening of the upper esophageal sphincter (also called the cricopharyngeus muscle). As a result of tightening of this muscle, pressure builds along the wall of the throat above this sphincter muscle. How serious is Zenker's diverticulum? Moderate to severe cases. More serious cases of Zenker's diverticulum require surgery. Surgery can help with difficulty swallowing, coughing, and aspiration. For large diverticulums, or for those in complicated positions, an open-neck surgery might be the only way to remove the pouch. Can Zenker's diverticulum be cured? Zenker's...