Esophageal Diverticula

I. Description
Esophageal Types
• Zenker’s Diverticulum
diverticula are • Midthoracic
pouches or sacs Diverticulum
that form in the • Epiphrenic Diverticulum
lining of the • Congenital
esophagus, the • Acquired
muscular tube • Pulsion
connecting the • Traction
mouth to the • False
stomach. • True
 Classified by location

Zenker’s Diverticulum Epiphrenic Diverticulum Midthoracic Diverticulum

Formation Development Layers of

Involvement
Pulsion –
Congenital – False – Only
Esophagus is
Birth affects inner lining
pushed outward
from the side. Acquired – (mucosa &
Traction – Affects Shows up later in submucosa).
all layers of the life. True – All layers
esophagus.
 II.
PA RISK FACTORS Prevents the muscle of the
T -Age 50 and older
esophagus from moving food
H -Achalasia
-Malfunctioning properly into the stomach.
O Weakness
P sphincter muscle in the
H -Esophagitis Lumen
YS -Esophagial
Increased pressure within
Scleroderma
IO
the esophagus.
L
O
G
Y Pressure pushes outwards.

Out pouching of the mucosa.

III. Clinical Manifestation

Fullness in
the neck.
Gurgling
noise after
eating.
 IV. Assessment and Diagnostic Findings
ASSESSMENT DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS

Assess appearance Barium Swallow

Gastrointestinal
Note halitosis
endoscopy

Inspect patient’s Esophageal

neck manometer
V
M
A
N
A
G
E
M
E
N
T Diverticulopexy with Diverticulectomy and
cricopharyngeal myotomy cricopharyngeal myotomy
Establish a recent history of weight loss

Determine if the patient has experienced subtle, gradually progressive esophageal

dysphagia

Ask if the patient has experienced gagging, gurgling, or a sense of fullness in the
throat as if something were “stuck.”

Inquire whether the patient has regurgitated food particles and saliva soon after
eating.

Determine if the patient has experienced an unpleasant taste and nocturnal coughing
with regurgitation of retained secretions and undigested foods.

Establish a history of heartburn.

Assess the patient’s appearance. Note halitosis

VI. Nursing Process

 PL
A
N
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than body Patient will achieve a weight within NI
requirements. his/her normal BMI range. N
G
Acute pain related to symptoms and &
N Relief of pain. O
U surgical procedures.
U
RS
Impaired swallowing related to T
IN The patient will pass food and fluid from
C
G esophageal defects. mouth to stomach safely.
O
DI
Patient will verbalize understanding of the condition, M
A
Deficient knowledge. prognosis, and potential complications or the medical E
G condition along the therapeutic needs. IN
N
D
O
E
SE Risk for aspiration r/t food regurgitation. Patient will maintain a patent air way. N
S
TI
FI
The patient will demonstrate improved C
Disturbed sleep pattern. A
rest and sleep patterns.
TI
O
N
 Assess appearance
Protect from aspiration Managemen
Note if dysphagia is present. t
Assess nutritional status.

Administer medications as ordered.

Monitor degree of discomfort.

Monitor respiratory signs

Teach about disorder.

Support emotionally.

Teach postural drainage.

Chew food thoroughly.

 Outcome Evaluation

Pain will be Verbalize Understanding of Demonstrates

controlled or reduced understanding of disease process and progressive weight
to a tolerable level. sleep disturbance. treatment options. gain towards goal.

Client will ingest daily

nutritional
Client report a
Client will be able to Maintain patent requirements in
decrease in anxiety
tolerate oral feeding. airway. accordance to activity
level to none or mild.
level and metabolic
need.
Picture of Disease