Webs, Rings & Diverticula

An esophageal web is a thin bit of tissue that is similar to an "o" ring of a washer. These may occur at any level of the esophagus and typically cause difficulty swallowing. When these occur in the upper esophagus, they may be associated with other diseases such as iron deficiency anemia or graft versus host disease. Some authors believe that webs that arise in the mid to distal esophagus may be related to reflux. Rings differ from webs primarily by being thicker and involving more of the wall of the esophagus.

One of the classic rings of the esophagus is actually a web; it is called a Schatzki's ring. This ring in the distal esophagus is felt to be related to reflux. The primary symptom of a Schatzki's ring is an intermittent problem of food sticking.

Rings and webs are best detected by barium studies although an upper endoscopy may also show these. Treatment of both rings and webs is by dilatation, usually performed with one large dilator. Afterwards, patients may be placed on anti-reflux medications to try to prevent recurrence.

Esophageal diverticula are outpocketings of one or more layers of the esophageal wall. A diverticulum that arises just above the level of the upper esophageal sphincter is called a Zenker's diverticula. This diverticula is felt to arise from abnormal motility of the esophagus. Symptoms of a Zenker's diverticula include difficulty swallowing, gurgling in the throat, regurgitation, or inhalation of retained liquids or food.

X-rays are the best way to detect a diverticula. Complications of a Zenker's diverticula are inhalation with damage to the lung, forming a tract or fistula between the esophagus and the major airway, and a small potential for cancer. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision although endoscopic treatment of "cutting the mouth" of the diverticula has been performed.