Role of transoral irrigation in mediastinitis due to hypopharyngeal perforation.

Mediastinitis resulting from perforations of the hypopharynx is a life-threatening complication associated with a high morbidity and mortality. In cases of perforation, which are not amenable to primary closure, transoral irrigation has been found to be an effective means of therapy. This technique rapidly controls sepsis, favoring the closure of perforations of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Using this technique we have had no mortality attributed to mediastinitis in patients with mediastinitis due to perforation of the hypopharynx, cervical and thoracic esophagus.