BACKGROUND: Perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus are infrequent severe situations, which may even be life-threatening for patients. METHODS: We review seven cases of intraluminal perforations of the hypopharynx or cervical oesophagus treated at our department between 1999 and 2001. RESULTS: In this series of patients, foreign bodies were the main cause of perforation. In four cases, the treatment was surgical by means of a cervicotomy and/or thoracotomy and drainage; in the other three cases, conservative treatment was applied. In some cases, the morbidity was considerable but there were no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus must be individualized and multidisciplinary. The early diagnosis of these perforations is an important factor for prognosis.
BACKGROUND: Perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus are infrequent severe situations, which may even be life-threatening for patients. METHODS: We review seven cases of intraluminal perforations of the hypopharynx or cervical oesophagus treated at our department between 1999 and 2001. RESULTS: In this series of patients, foreign bodies were the main cause of perforation. In four cases, the treatment was surgical by means of a cervicotomy and/or thoracotomy and drainage; in the other three cases, conservative treatment was applied. In some cases, the morbidity was considerable but there were no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus must be individualized and multidisciplinary. The early diagnosis of these perforations is an important factor for prognosis.
Authors: Michael Hermansson; Jan Johansson; Tomas Gudbjartsson; Göran Hambreus; Per Jönsson; Ramon Lillo-Gil; Ulrika Smedh; Thomas Zilling Journal: BMC Surg Date: 2010-10-28 Impact factor: 2.102