title: Pharyngoesophageal intubation injuries: three case reports.
abstract: The hypopharynx and cervical esophagus are particularly vulnerable to intubation trauma. Contributing factors include hasty intubation by inexperienced personnel; the use of curved, beveled endotracheal tubes containing stylets; malpositioning of the head, and the application of cricoid pressure. Iatrogenic pharyngoesophageal perforations may go unsuspected until characteristic signs and symptoms are recognized. These include cervical pain, fever, dysphagia, leukocytosis, subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumomediastinum. We present three cases that illustrate important points in recognizing, evaluating, and treating pharyngoesophageal perforations. The third case presents a chronic cervical esophageal perforation with secondary pseudodiverticulum, requiring resection of the pseudodiverticulum and a primary sternocleidomastoid muscle flap repair of the cervical esophageal defect. To our knowledge, this technique has not previously been reported.
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA Medical Center.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Tartell
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hoover
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Friduss
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zuckerbraun
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013524:Surgical Flaps