Pathological formations, which are localized mainly on the posterior wall of the pharynx, are called esophageal diverticula. On the anterior wall of this organ, it is rather difficult to encounter such phenomena, but it is not uncommon for doctors to detect abnormal outgrowths on the side parts. Such a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract is a fairly common ailment, especially it affects people in old age, especially men from 40 to 60 years. In addition, such a localization of pathological processes contributes to an incorrect lifestyle, bad habits, improper diet and poor-quality food.
The most common zone of spreading diverticula in the larynx is the area of the upper sphincter, which is the most anatomically weak side. Sirloin outgrowths located in this part of the pharynx are called Zenker's diverticula, and this pathology tends to increase in size, accordingly, if it is found, surgical removal must be performed in order to avoid negative consequences. Also, the throat is characterized by the appearance of saccular protrusions in the trachea, next to the vocal cords. All the pharyngeal esophageal diverticula have 4 stages of development:
- The first stage involves the appearance of a spine-shaped outgrowth on the posterior wall of the organ. This outgrowth differs in small sizes, arises from the loss of the mucosa of the esophagus into the larynx. This is due to the weakening of the muscles of the organ for a number of reasons, the main of which is the age. In principle, this stage has absolutely no symptoms, since the diverticulum that appeared in the pharynx does not interfere with the passage of the person eaten;
- The second stage is to increase the size of the emerged outgrowths, and also their number increases significantly in the place of primary localization. The shape also changes in size, acquiring the outlines of a mace. The main place of localization of these diverticula falls on the posterior part of the pharynx;
- The third stage leads to a change in the shape of the formations on the saccular, while they descend into the mediastinum. Nevertheless, there is still no particular negative impact of protrusion, respectively, no symptoms are observed in the patient;
- The fourth stage of the pharynx diverticulosis is characterized by a significant increase in protrusion in size. They begin to squeeze the larynx severely, especially when they are in the trachea. This completely interferes with the swallowing reflex, which is a direct indication for the operation, carried out for the most part by a laparoscopic method.
Treatment of throat diverticula
Any therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating throat diverticula should be carried out only after appropriate diagnostic tests. The course of treatment used for this disease is complex and can include both conservative( correction of nutrition, medication intake), and operational measures. In the initial stages, only a diet is required. The intake of food in this case should be fractional, that is, often in small portions. The position of the body should also be certain to prevent the ingestion of food residues in the pharynx diverticula and not to provoke the onset of the inflammatory process there.
In the later stages of the pharynx diverticulosis, especially when it comes to the pathology of the larynx or trachea, the treatment, consisting in the correction of nutrition, is not enough. When the diverticula progresses, the pharynx is always surgically intervened by a laparoscopic operation. The application of this method is the most effective, since it practically does not give complications. Also, alternative therapies have recently been widely used. This method is used, such as the destruction of the septum, located between the lumen of the esophagus and the pathological pouch. For this, cross-linking devices, the electrocoagulation method, and also a laser are used.
The disadvantage of such alternative therapies for diverticulosis of the pharynx is the possible development of complications. This is the perforation of the protrusion or mediastinitis. The safest method is stitching. Thanks to her, possible complications can almost be avoided, since the septum is first stitched, and only then the pathological protrusion is removed.
After the pharynx diverticula have been removed by the method chosen by the specialist, the patient's recovery comes in the shortest possible time. Nevertheless, since the pathology of the throat has already been present, a person needs to follow certain preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of a relapse. To prevent the repeated formation of pathological protrusions located in any area of the esophagus, you can use a special diet and a healthy lifestyle.