Etiopathogenesis and classification of esophageal diverticula.

The classification and etiopathogenesis of esophageal diverticula is discussed on the basis of our experience with the surgical management of 74 such diverticula (51 parapharyngeal, 7 thoracic, 167 epiphrenic). Parapharyngeal diverticula always represent true diverticula, their walls comprising muscular tissue as well as mucosa and submucosa. A causal relationship between esophageal reflux disease and Zenker's diverticulum has not yet been proved. Thoracic diverticula are probably more often of a congenital than traction origin. Epiphrenic diverticula result either from hypertonia of the lower esophageal sphincter (esophageal achalasia) or, if the latter functions normally, are of congenital origin. Traction etiology can in special cases be due to the presence of a leiomyoma in the esophageal wall.