Doctors at KIMSHEALTH have successfully treated a rare and debilitating swallowing disorder in a 63-year-old woman from the Maldives using an advanced minimally invasive endoscopic technique, offering her immediate relief after suffering symptoms for nearly three years.

The patient had been experiencing persistent difficulty in swallowing, a condition medically known as dysphagia. Detailed evaluation, including endoscopy, led to the diagnosis of Zenker’s Diverticulum, a rare condition with a prevalence of just 0.01 to 0.11 per cent in the general population. The disorder primarily affects individuals between the ages of 60 and 80.

Zenker’s Diverticulum occurs when a pouch forms at the upper part of the oesophagus, causing food to collect in the sac. Over time, this can lead to choking, aspiration and even recurrent pneumonia, significantly affecting quality of life.

The gastroenterology team at KIMSHEALTH, led by Dr. Madhu Sasidharan, Senior Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology, opted for Z-POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy)—a breakthrough, minimally invasive procedure that avoids open surgery.

Explaining the technique, Dr. Sasidharan said the procedure involves creating a small incision in the lining of the oesophagus and forming a tunnel within the submucosal layer. “Through this tunnel, the muscular septum between the oesophagus and the diverticulum is carefully divided using an endoscopic knife, releasing the tight muscle and restoring smooth swallowing,” he explained.

According to Dr. Sasidharan, Z-POEM has emerged as a safe and highly effective treatment for Zenker’s Diverticulum. “The technique allows complete division of the septum, offers faster recovery, and is suitable even for patients with larger diverticula or multiple medical conditions,” he said.

The two-hour procedure resulted in immediate relief for the patient, who was able to resume swallowing comfortably soon after. She was discharged the following day, underscoring the benefits of minimally invasive endoscopic intervention.

The multidisciplinary team involved in the procedure included Dr. Ajith K. Nair and Dr. Harish Kareem, Senior Consultants; Dr. Simna L, Consultant; Dr. Arun P and Dr. Devika Madhu, Associate Consultants from the Department of Gastroenterology; and Dr. Hashir A and Dr. Gopan G, Consultants from the Department of Anaesthesia.

The successful outcome highlights KIMSHEALTH’s growing expertise in advanced endoscopic procedures and its role in offering cutting-edge treatment options for rare gastrointestinal disorders.