Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2010 May;40(5):316-320.

Two Cases of Foreign Body-induced Esophageal Perforation That Were Treated by Endoscopic Clipping and Non-surgical Management

• Park JB
• Bae WK
• Lee HD
• Kim JH
• Kim NH
• Kim KA
• Lee JS
• Moon YS

Abstract

Perforation of the esophagus is a deadly injury that requires careful management if the patient is to survive. Prompt recognition and proper treatment of esophageal perforation may avert death or minimize complications. Esophageal perforation might be followed by mediastinitis, broncho-esophageal fistula, pneumomediastinum, peritonitis and empyema. Although primary surgical repair is the mainstay of treatment, non-surgical management can be attempted in selected patients. Endoscopic closure of an esophageal perforation with metallic clips and conservative therapy has recently been reported. We describe here two patients with esophageal perforation and pneumomediastinum that were caused by fish bones. One was completely closed by endoscopic clipping and the other was not. Non-surgical management that was made up of parenteral nutrition and antibiotic therapy produced the same successful outcomes in these two cases.

Keyword

Foreign body; Esophageal perforation; Clips

MeSH Terms

Empyema
Esophageal Perforation
Esophagus
Fistula
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Mediastinal Emphysema
Mediastinitis
Parenteral Nutrition
Peritonitis