|
|
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).
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
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.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 20, 2008 - Nov 20, 2008, 13:49
- High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
- Osteoarthritis
- Urinary Incontinence
| • | U.S. Lags on HIV Testing Goals - Nov 20, 2008, 16:00
Despite call for routine exams, 60,000 Americans were infected last year. | • | Estrogen May Explain Why Women With Cystic Fibrosis Suffer More - Nov 20, 2008, 19:00
Study found high levels of hormone worsened respiratory disease. | • | CDC Monitors Shortage of Hib Vaccine - Nov 20, 2008, 16:00
The shot protects against infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia in young children. | • | Colorectal Cancer Screens Detect Unrecognized Disease - Nov 20, 2008, 19:00
Finnish study says about 40% returned positive results in review of national program. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Mediastinitis
• Tumor
Other Topics
• Nausea and Vomiting
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.
|
|
