Zenker’s Diverticulum
Zenker’s diverticulum is a pouch that forms in the upper part of the esophagus, just above the cricopharyngeal muscle. Over time, pressure from swallowing can push a pouch of throat tissue outward, creating this pocket where food or liquid may get trapped. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, frequent coughing or throat clearing, bad breath, a gurgling sound in the throat, or the sensation of food “sticking” after swallowing. In some cases, food may even come back up hours later, undigested. This condition tends to occur in older adults and can worsen gradually. Dr. Woo offers minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to remove or reduce the pouch and improve swallowing. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve comfort, nutrition, and quality of life.
Cricopharyngeal Spasm
Cricopharyngeal spasm is a condition where the upper esophageal sphincter muscle (called the cricopharyngeus) becomes overly tight or fails to relax properly during swallowing. This can create a feeling of something being “stuck” in the throat, trouble getting food down, or discomfort when swallowing. Some people also report throat tightness, a choking sensation, or the need to swallow repeatedly to clear their throat. In persistent cases, it can interfere with eating and swallow. Treatment may include Botox injections to relax the muscle, dilation procedures, or physical therapy for the throat muscles. Sometimes the muscle needs to be cut. Dr. Woo can diagnose this condition with a combination of physical examination and imaging, and offer tailored treatment to restore more comfortable swallowing.
Pharyngeal-Esophageal Stricture
A pharyngeal-esophageal stricture is a narrowing at the junction of the throat (pharynx) and the upper esophagus, often caused by scarring from inflammation, injury, acid reflux, or after radiation therapy. This narrowing can make it difficult to swallow solids or even liquids, and patients may feel as if food is getting “hung up” in the lower throat. Other symptoms might include throat pain, unintentional weight loss, coughing while eating, or the sensation of choking. Diagnosis typically involves a swallowing study or endoscopy. Treatment often includes dilation—a gentle stretching of the narrowed area—or sometimes surgical release if scar tissue is extensive. Dr. Woo can identify and treat these complex cases to help patients regain safer, more effective swallowing function.
Abelchia (inability to burp)
Abelchia is a rare condition where a person is physically unable to burp (belch), even when their stomach or esophagus is full of gas. This can cause a buildup of pressure in the chest, neck, and abdomen, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gurgling noises in the throat, chest pressure, abdominal distension, and even painful cramping. Some patients also report difficulty swallowing, nausea, or trouble breathing deeply. This condition often starts in adolescence or early adulthood, and while the body still produces gas as part of normal digestion, the upper esophageal sphincter (a muscular valve at the top of the esophagus) fails to release it upward. The good news is that a treatment has been developed using Botox injections into the upper esophageal sphincter to relax the muscle and allow the person to belch naturally. For many patients, just one injection leads to lasting relief and restored ability to burp, improving quality of life dramatically.
