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Esophageal Perforation
Alternate Names : Perforation of the Esophagus
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Treatment
The treatment can be divided into initial and definitive phases. Early surgery is appropriate for almost all patients. Every effort should be made to have surgery within 24 hours of the occurrence of the perforation.
The initial phase includes: diagnostic studies to determine the location and cause of the hole, administration of IV fluids, and administration of IV antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Fluid that has collected around the lung(s) may be treated with a chest tube to drain it away.
Repair of the perforation is the definitive treatment. For some patients with perforation in the uppermost (neck region) of the esophagus, the perforation may heal by itself if the patient does not eat or drink for a period of time. In this case, nutrition must be provided by another source such as a stomach feeding tube.
For perforation in the mid-portion and lower-most portions of the esophagus, operation is usually required for repair. Depending on the size and location of the perforation, the leak can be treated by simple repair or by removal of the esophagus.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
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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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