Abstract
Background
Esophagus perforations are one of the most severe lesions of the digestive tract. Until now the treatment continues to be controversial, with mortality greater than 30% of cases, mainly with a thoracic location. Severity is determinate by the progression of infection due to anatomical characteristics of the mediastinum. The location, size of the perforation and the evolution time determine the treatment to follow. In order to assess the results obtained and the different management options we present a series of 9 patients, with benign esophageal perforations, treated in our center during the last 5 years.
Methods
We designed an observational study in which we identify retrospectively the results of our series during the last five years (From 2013 to 2018). We analysed the following variables: Characteristics of patients, medical and surgical management, morbidity and mortality
Results
In all series, 5 of 9 patients received surgical treatment (55,5%), In the remaining three cases, simple suture and placement of drainages was performed. Conservative treatment was the first management attempt in the last four cases (44,5%), all of them due to impaction of food bolus or foreign body. Of all series evolved favourably with a non-negligible morbidity and continued ambulatory follow up. There was no mortality.
Conclusion
It is difficult to establish a protocol of action in patients with esophageal perforation. We have obtained good results by individualizing each case and adjusting the type of treatment to the needs of each patient, from a conservative attitude to radical surgery.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.