Videoendoscopic Swallowing Study for Diagnosis of Zenker's Diverticuli

The videoendoscopic swallowing study (VESS) provides an efficient, cost-effective method for swallowing evaluation in the clinic. Previously thought to be of little value for disorders of the proximal esophagus, this retrospective study (n = 33) demonstrates a high level of sensitivity (85%) and specificity (86%) of VESS for detecting Zenker's diverticuli in patients with symptoms of swallowing dysfunction. Furthermore, the key finding of postswallow reflux into the hypopharynx reliably distinguishes cricopharyngeus dysfunction from diverticuli in this population. This study shows that VESS can provide useful information about the proximal esophagus.