Esophageal diverticula are rare. They may occur in the pharyngoesophageal area (Zenker's), midesophagus, or distally (epiphrenic). Most patients with diverticula are asymptomatic. Fewer than one-third of the diverticula produce symptoms severe enough to seek medical attention or to warrant surgery.

Surgical treatment has changed significantly with the development of mini-invasive methods that have increasingly replaced open surgery. If certain indications persist for open surgery, Zenker’s diverticulum is mainly treated with transoral endoscopic flexible or rigid techniques. This approach, which consists of a marsupialization of the diverticulum, treats also the concomitant motor disorder. These esophageal motor disorders are also present in the vast majority of patients with midesophageal or epiphrenic diverticula. These diseases are also treated mainly by a minimally invasive approach that consists of a diverticulectomy associated with an esophageal myotomy, which is widely recommended.