Which statement describes a standard surgical option for Zenker's diverticulum that can be performed endoscopically?

Which statement describes a standard surgical option for Zenker's diverticulum that can be performed endoscopically?

• A. Endoscopic diverticulotomy/diverticulostomy
• B. Laparoscopic fundoplication
• C. Esophagectomy
• D. Gastric bypass

Answer: (A)

Zenker's diverticulum forms because the cricopharyngeal muscle doesn’t relax properly, creating a pouch that traps swallowed material. The surgical goal is to relieve this outflow obstruction by dividing the wall between the diverticulum and the esophagus, i.e., performing a cricopharyngeal myotomy. Doing this endoscopically—endoscopic diverticulotomy or diverticulostomy—cuts that septum from inside the esophagus, opening the passage and reducing the pressure that drives the pouch. It’s a standard, minimally invasive approach with good symptom relief and quicker recovery compared with open surgery. The other procedures listed are for different problems: laparoscopic fundoplication treats reflux, esophagectomy is for extensive disease such as cancer, and gastric bypass is for obesity, none of which target Zenker's diverticulum.

Zenker's diverticulum forms because the cricopharyngeal muscle doesn’t relax properly, creating a pouch that traps swallowed material. The surgical goal is to relieve this outflow obstruction by dividing the wall between the diverticulum and the esophagus, i.e., performing a cricopharyngeal myotomy. Doing this endoscopically—endoscopic diverticulotomy or diverticulostomy—cuts that septum from inside the esophagus, opening the passage and reducing the pressure that drives the pouch. It’s a standard, minimally invasive approach with good symptom relief and quicker recovery compared with open surgery. The other procedures listed are for different problems: laparoscopic fundoplication treats reflux, esophagectomy is for extensive disease such as cancer, and gastric bypass is for obesity, none of which target Zenker's diverticulum.