Esophageal Perforation Flashcards
Why is intrathoracic esophageal perforation so lethal?
Leakage of gastric contents into mediastinum, leading to chemical burns, tissue destruction and sepsis.
How does a cervical esophageal perforation typically present?
Neck tenderness, odynophagia, and subcutaneous emphysema.
How does an intrathoracic esophageal perforation typically present?
Dysphagia, pain, tachycardia and fever
Name the major causes of esophageal perforations.
Iatrogenic (endoscopy/surgery), trauma (penetrating/blunt injury, foreign body, caustic ingestion), malignancy, inflammation, and infection.
Spontaneous perforation (not iatrogenic) is usually associated with what?
Emesis
What is the best way to visualize an esophageal perforation?
With a contrast swallow (gastrograffin, then thin barium if none seen with water soluble contrast).
Surgical treatment option for a patient with an intra-abdominal perforation and severe reflux disease?
Esophageal preservation, repair of perforation, and an antireflux procedure.
What is the surgical approach for intra-abdominal perforations?
Laparotomy or laparoscopy
What is the surgical approach for mid (middle third) intrathoracic esophageal perforations?
Right thoracotomy, debridement of necrotic tissue, drainage and closure of injury. Esophageal muscle layers are opened above and below injury, and closed 2 layers, and repair buttressed.
What is the surgical approach for lower (intrathoracic) esophageal perforations?
Left thoracotomy, debridement of necrotic tissue, drainage and closure of injury. Repair performed in two layers, and buttressed.
Can esophageal injuries be repaired primarily after 24-48 hours?
Yes.
Surgical approach in a patient with achalasia and perforation after dilatation.
Two layer closure and myotomy on opposite side of perforation with partial fundoplication to cover site of perforation.
When can nonoperative management be employed in patients with esophageal perforations?
If leak is contained, and patient has no signs of sepsis. Also, intraluminal dissection, transmural perforations that drain back into esophagus, no distal obstruction, and perforations not in abdominal cavity.
How are cervical perforations unique?
Often can be successfully treated nonoperatively and will heal after a short course.
What is the leading cause of esophageal perforations?
Instrumentation (endoscopy, dilatation, etc)