Over the last 20-30 years, treatment of pharyngoesophageal diverticula was subject to a number of fundamental changes. Considering the classical open transcervical approaches, the necessity for myotomy of the upper esophageal sphincter with the goal of interrupting the pathogenesis of the disease has become a standard component of the operation. On the other hand, with the growing popularity of rigid and flexible endoscopic techniques, pharyngoesophageal diverticula are increasingly being treated by gastroenterologists and otorhinolaryngologists, often with the argument of a technically easier and less invasive procedure; however, it remains unclear whether this shift towards endoscopic techniques truly translates into better outcome quality. This aim of this CME article is to summarize the available scientific evidence on the complex pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment of pharyngoesophageal diverticula and to provide the reader with an updated guide to best clinical practice for diagnostics and treatment.
Keywords: Esophageal diverticulum; Pathophysiology; Surgical treatment; Transoral therapy; Zenker’s diverticulum.