The "steakhouse syndrome". Primary and definitive diagnosis and therapy.
Over a period of 5 years, 28 instances of acute food impaction of the esophagus were documented in 26 patients at our institution. In all patients the impacted bolus was successfully removed without complication using a flexible endoscope. Underlying diseases were identified during primary endoscopy in 31% of the cases. Further diagnostic workup was performed in all but 5 of the patients. After adequate evaluation pathologic findings were demonstrated in 90% of the cases (38% malignant and 52% benign diseases). Long-term therapy was deemed necessary in 17 of these 21 patients. Operative intervention was indicated in 4 cases, 2 of which were for malignant tumors. Acute food impaction should always be regarded as a symptom of esophageal disorders. In patients with esophageal cancer or other mediastinal tumors bolus impaction generally indicates an advanced tumor stage.
Stadler
J
J
Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Technischen Universität, München,Federal Republic of Germany.
Hölscher
A H
AH
Feussner
H
H
Dittler
J
J
Siewert
J R
JR
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged