[Satisfactory results of conservative treatment in traumatic esophageal perforation].

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of diagnosis and management of 18 patients with iatrogenic or traumatic oesophageal perforation.

DESIGN

Descriptive retrospective.

SETTING

University hospital Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the period 1981-1991 18 patients received conservative treatment for iatrogenic/traumatic oesophageal perforation.

RESULTS

The perforation was located in the cervical part of the oesophagus in 13 cases and in the thoracic part in 5 cases. Various incidents had led to the perforation. For radiological examination X-rays of the thorax or lateral neck were made or an oesophagogram using iodine as the contrast medium. Treatment consisted of antibiotics, a stomach catheter, intravenous nutrition and if necessary suction drainage. Seventeen patients recovered completely, one patient died.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment of iatrogenic oesophageal perforation consisting of antibiotics, stomach catheter, enteric or parenteral nutrition and if necessary suction drainage gives good results.