Traumatic perforation of the hypopharynx in infants.

Three cases of traumatic perforation and pseudodiverticulum of the hypopharynx in newborn infants are presented. This lesion may be encountered with increasing frequency as a result of the more aggressive management of newborn infants with respiratory distress. Early recognition of this complication is essential to successful therapy. Appropriate management includes local drainage, treatment with antibiotics, and use of a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy to provide a safe route for intestinal alimentation.