[Perforations of the cervical esophagus in attempted tracheal intubation. A report of 12 cases].

The authors underline the factors favouring perforation of the oesophagus during intubation in the light of 12 personal cases: difficulty in intubation, use of an introducer, inexperienced operator. Such a perforation may result in mediastinitis and should be treated early with massive polyvalent antibiotics and a surgical suture left at rest for approximately one week.