Overview

What Are Esophageal Diverticula?

Esophageal diverticula are pouches or sacs that form in the lining of the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. A diverticulum (a singular pouch or sac) can be congenital (present at birth) or develop later in life.

Often just one diverticulum forms, ranging up to four inches in diameter. In some patients, numerous small diverticula arise along the length of the esophagus.

Esophageal diverticula are usually found in middle-aged and elderly adults.