Management of sword-swallower injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To report an unusual case of hypopharyngeal perforation in a sword-swallower, with emphasis on management options.

METHOD

Case report and review of the English language literature concerning sword-swallowing injuries to the hypopharynx and oesophagus.

RESULTS

A 29-year-old male sword-swallower suffered hypopharyngeal perforation during a performance. The patient received conservative management, with intensive care unit admission, infectious disease consultation, intravenous antibiotics, discontinuation of oral intake and close observation. He progressed well, resumed oral intake on hospital day six, and was discharged home on hospital day eight.

CONCLUSION

Sword-swallowing is an unusual vocation which may lead to potentially devastating injuries. This case report and review of the literature illustrates the management options for such hypopharyngeal and oesophageal injuries.