Pneumatic rupture of the posterior pharyngeal wall.

A fourth case of pharyngeal injury after an attempt to open a bottle of 'home brew' is presented. For the first time the potential barotrauma causing this injury is recognized. The principles of diagnosis, investigation and treatment are described. Early surgical intervention will minimize contamination and allow adequate drainage of the contaminated space. Early institution of antibiotics will minimize local and generalized toxic phenomena. Alternate routes of alimentation allow local healing and rapid recovery of the patient.