Penetrating wounds of the cervical esophagus.
To determine trends in management, twenty-two years' experience with penetrating wounds of the cervical esophagus in thirty-nine patients has been evaluated. There were three deaths, all as a result of delayed operative repair. Experience gained from the earlier years of this study led to a marked reduction in mortality in the later years as a result of an increased index of clinical suspicion, coupled with an aggressive operative approach with primary closure and adequate drainage. A nonoperative approach has been suggested by others for small esophageal perforations after endoscopy and perforation from foreign objects. For penetrating injuries of the esophagus, operation and definitive repair is mandatory.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000601:surgery