Esophageal Perforation
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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