Thiruvananthapuram- December 7, 2026: A 63-year-old patient from the Maldives presented at the OP with difficulty in swallowing for the past three years. On evaluation by way of an endoscopy, she was diagnosed with Zenker’s Diverticulum, a rare condition with a prevalence of only 0.01% to 0.11% in the general population, usually affecting individuals between 60 and 80 years of age. This condition constitutes the formation of a pouch or bulge at the upper part of the esophagus, leading to difficulty in swallowing, and food getting accumulated in the pouch, leading to aspiration and pneumonia.

The medical team, spearheaded by Dr. Madhu Sasidharan, Senior Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology, KIMSHEALTH, opted for  Z-POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy), a breakthrough minimally invasive procedure. The procedure involves making a small incision in the esophageal lining and creating a tunnel in the submucosal layer. Through this tunnel, an endoscope is advanced to separate the septum, the muscular wall between the esophagus and the diverticulum. The septum is then carefully divided using an endoscopic knife to fully expose and release the tight muscle to restore smooth swallowing.

Z-POEM is a safe and effective treatment modality for managing Zenker’s Diverticulum. It allows complete septum division, offering faster recovery, and is suitable for patients with varying diverticular sizes and multiple comorbidities, said Dr. Madhu Sasidharan.

The procedure was completed in two hours, after which the patient experienced immediate relief from symptoms. She was discharged the very next day.

Dr. Ajith K Nair, Dr. Harish Kareem, Senior Consultants, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. Simna L, Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. ArunP, Dr. Devika Madhu, Associate Consultants, Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. Hashir A, and Dr. Gopan G,  Consultants, Department of Anesthesia, were also part of the procedure.