Divertikler the esophagus (Udposninger the esophagus)

Definition and causes

Divertikler the esophagus is udposninger of one or more layers of the esophagus wall. One can imagine them as pockets in the wall of esophagus. When taking a kikkertundersøgelse look into the esophagus, udposning are therefore seen as small holes or cracks. We are talking about two different kinds of udposninger:

Orphan divertikler
The first type is most visible at the top of the esophagus through the transition to the throat and sometimes the bottom of the esophagus. These udposninger are typically rear of the gullet. They occur as a result of a weakening of the muscles in the esophagus wall and does not contain all the layers of the esophagus. They called therefore illegitimate divertikler. They occur most often in men over 50 years.

True divertikler
The second type udposninger seen mostly at the middle of the esophagus, and is a result of arvæv formation in nearby structures with subsequent shrinkage of these (eg. As a result of an infection). Udposning contain all layers of the esophagus wall and called genuine divertikler.

Symptoms of divertikler the esophagus

The false divertikler can be very large and can accumulate ufordøjede food residues in them. The symptoms are:

Dysphagia.
Opgylpning of several days old, ufordøjede food residues.
Bad breath.
Accidental where the food ends up in the air pipe.

The real divertikler are small and symptoms resolve.

Precautions and diagnosis

If you have these symptoms should seek medical advice. The diagnosis made by an X-ray contrast with the esophagus.

Treatment of divertikler the esophagus

Orphan divertikler treated with a telescope operation, which cuts through some of the muscles around the esophagus and thereby reduces the "pocket formation". There is less risk of accumulation of food residues.

True divertikler rarely requires treatment.

Complications of divertikler the esophagus

Food residue that has built up in udposningen can fejlsynkes and thereby end up in the lungs. This typically happens at night when lying down and can cause pneumonia.