Importance of malnutrition and associated diseases in the management of Zenker's diverticulum

Abstract Objectives To study the impact of malnutrition on a population treated for Zenker's diverticulum and to look for the causes of persistence or recurrence of dysphagia after endoscopic surgery. Material and methods This retrospective study included 30 patients with Zenker's diverticulum treated by endoscopy. All swallowing disorders and manifestations of malnutrition and postoperative improvement in and/or recurrence of symptoms were noted. Results Nutritional status was evaluated for 26 patients. Before surgery, 54% suffered from malnutrition, which was severe in 31%; 28.6% of the cases with malnutrition showed postoperative complications, versus 8.3% of cases without baseline malnutrition. Ninety percent of patients ( n  = 27) declared complete resolution of symptoms. Nine patients presented recurrence of dysphagia, including 6 with recurrence of Zenker's diverticulum and 3 with, respectively, inclusion body myopathy, esophageal hypertonia and central disease. Conclusion Malnutrition should be quantified and treated before and after surgery for Zenker's diverticulum to prevent complications and decrease mortality. Associated pathologies should be systematically screened for, especially in case of recurrence of swallowing disorder without recurrence of Zenker's diverticulum.