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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Esophageal Perforation

Esophageal Perforation

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment

Expectations or Prognosis

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Alternate Names : Perforation of the Esophagus


Definition

An esophageal perforation is a hole in the esophagus (the tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach).

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

The esophagus is a muscular tube that serves as a conduit for the passage of food and fluid from the mouth to the stomach. Perforation is the presence of a hole through which the contents of the esophagus can pass into the mediastinum (the surrounding area in the chest). This often results in infection of the mediastinum or mediastinitis.

The most common cause (more than 75%) of esophageal perforation is injury during a medical procedure such as esophagoscopy (a procedure to examine the esophagus) or placement of a naso-gastric tube.

The esophagus can also become perforated as the result of a disease process such as a tumor or gastric reflux with ulceration; a mechanical problem such as violent retching and vomiting; ingestion of a foreign body or caustic agents.

Still less common causes include injuries from penetrating or blunt trauma or injury to the esophagus during an operation on another organ near the esophagus. Cases have also very rarely been associated with childbirth, defecation, seizures, heavy lifting, and forceful swallowing.



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Definition
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Symptoms & Signs
Prevention
Diagnosis & Tests
Treatment
Prognosis
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Review Date : 11/2/2002
Reviewed By : William G. Wang, M.D., Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 20 Nov, 2008