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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Pocket In Throat Leading To Entrapment Of Food

I seem to have a flap in the back and to the side of my throat, food gets stuck in there and starts to decay. Sometimes it comes out spontaneously, other times I try to dig it out. Is their a solution to this problem? ENT? or GP? 62 years old good health 5"5" 165
Mon, 28 Jul 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

The flap in the back of the throat is known as Zenker diverticulum.
It is caused due to herniation of the esophageal mucosa posteriorly between the muscles of pharynx.
Food particles get easily trapped here, resulting in difficulty in swallowing and bad breath.
The exact position and extent of the pouch can be determined by contrast studies or upper GI endoscopy.
Management involves surgical removal of the diverticulum with repair of the muscle or endoscopic stapling of the defect.
So, kindly consult an ENT specialist & discuss regarding this.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
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Suggest Treatment For Pocket In Throat Leading To Entrapment Of Food

Hello dear, The flap in the back of the throat is known as Zenker diverticulum. It is caused due to herniation of the esophageal mucosa posteriorly between the muscles of pharynx. Food particles get easily trapped here, resulting in difficulty in swallowing and bad breath. The exact position and extent of the pouch can be determined by contrast studies or upper GI endoscopy. Management involves surgical removal of the diverticulum with repair of the muscle or endoscopic stapling of the defect. So, kindly consult an ENT specialist & discuss regarding this. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Wishing you a good health. Take care.