Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2008 Jul;37(1):35-39.

A Case of a Sharp Denture-Induced Esophageal Perforation Managed by Medical Treatment

• Cha JM
• Lee JI
• Choe JW
• Joo KR
• Jung SW
• Shin HP

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the esophagus are regarded as clinically important as they cause symptoms such as pain and dysphagia and can cause complications such as perforation. Recent progress in therapeutic endoscopy has made it possible to extract most foreign bodies in the esophagus. However, endoscopic extraction of sharp foreign bodies impacted in the esophagus may be a difficult and complicated procedure. Although rapid surgical intervention is the main treatment for esophageal perforation, medical treatment can be successful for a minor perforation after early diagnosis if the perforation size is small and symptoms or signs associated with the perforation are mild. We report a case of a sharp denture- induced esophageal perforation managed by medical treatment that consisted of parenteral nutrition and antibiotics. This case highlights the necessity for an early diagnosis and treatment for an esophageal perforation, which can occur even after removal of a foreign body.

Keyword

Foreign body; Esophagus; Perforation; Medical treatment

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Deglutition Disorders
Early Diagnosis
Endoscopy
Esophageal Perforation
Esophagus
Foreign Bodies
Parenteral Nutrition
Anti-Bacterial Agents