Tyrrell M R, Trotter G A, Adam A, Mason R C
Department of Surgery, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Br J Surg. 1995 Sep;82(9):1257-8. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800820933.
The incidence of oesophageal perforation in 350 patients referred for laser treatment to palliate malignant dysphagia is reported. Perforation occurred in 6 per cent of patients or 2 per cent of treatment episodes. Perforation was usually due to oesophageal dilatation undertaken before laser treatment (23 of 25 perforations). Immediate recognition and the institution of an aggressive non-operative management protocol resulted in survival in 20 of 23 patients.
