What is an esophageal diverticulum?

What is an esophageal diverticulum?

An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that protrudes outward in a weak portion of the esophageal lining. This pocket-like structure can appear anywhere in the esophageal lining between the throat and stomach.

Esophageal diverticula (pleural of diverticulum) are classified by their location within the esophagus:

• Zenker’s diverticula (pharyngoesophageal) is the most common type of diverticula of the esophagus. Zenker’s diverticula are usually located in the back of the throat, just above the esophagus
• Midthoracic diverticula, in the mid-chest
• Epiphrenic diverticula, above the diaphragm