In simple words: The doctor inserts a rigid viewing tube through the mouth to examine the esophagus. A pouch-like sac (diverticulum) in the throat or upper esophagus is removed, and a muscle in the throat is cut to help with swallowing. A microscope or telescope may be used for better viewing, and the area is repaired.

This procedure involves a rigid esophagoscopy performed through the mouth. It includes excision of a diverticulum in the hypopharynx or cervical esophagus, along with an incision of the cricopharyngeus muscle. The procedure may involve the use of an operating microscope or telescope for visualization and repair of the surgical site.

Example 1: A 70-year-old patient presents with dysphagia and regurgitation. A barium swallow study reveals a Zenker's diverticulum. The patient undergoes a rigid esophagoscopy, diverticulectomy, and cricopharyngeal myotomy (43180) to remove the diverticulum and improve swallowing., A 55-year-old patient with a history of a cervical esophageal diverticulum experiences increasing difficulty swallowing. The diverticulum is excised transorally with a rigid endoscope, and a cricopharyngeal myotomy is performed to prevent recurrence (43180). An operating microscope is used to aid in visualization and repair., During a rigid esophagoscopy, a small diverticulum is found in the hypopharynx of a 60-year-old patient. Using an operating telescope, the surgeon performs a diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy (43180) to address the diverticulum.

Documentation should include details of the esophagoscopy findings, size and location of the diverticulum, the performance of cricopharyngeal myotomy, use of an operating microscope or telescope, and any repair performed. Pre- and post-operative diagnoses, operative notes, and any complications encountered should also be documented.