The outcome of esophageal perforation in neonates and its risk factors: a 10-year study.

PURPOSE

Esophageal perforation is a rare complication in infants that can be difficult to diagnose. The mortality rate due to esophageal perforation is high. This condition is more common in low birth weight premature infants. This study examines esophageal perforation in relation to various demographic and clinical variables.

METHODS

This study has a cross-sectional design. All pre-term neonates with esophageal perforation at Valiasr Hospital in Tehran, Iran, were included in the study over the span of ten years, from 2011 to 2021. Factors, such as gestational age, sex, weight, type of delivery, and interventions performed that could contribute to the condition, including intubation and Orogastric (OG) tube insertion, were investigated in the participants.

RESULTS

Among the 9924 infants studied over the 10-year period, 15 cases (0.15%) had esophageal perforation. All these infants underwent non-operative management with acceptable results.

CONCLUSION

Learning about the risk factors for iatrogenic esophageal perforation in neonates can help prevent this unwanted event in most cases. Also, the majority of these cases can be managed non-operatively provided that early diagnosis is made.