title: Pharyngoesophageal perforations after blunt trauma to the neck.
abstract: The neck with cartilaginous framework left intact still requires a high index of suspicion of a pharyngoesophageal perforation after blunt trauma. If the diagnosis is missed and/or prompt surgical drainage of the perforation is delayed, increased morbidity from deep neck abscesses and/or death may result. This is the first reported series of pharyngoesophageal perforations that follow blunt trauma. On the basis of this clinical experience and the literature, I have formulated a treatment protocol for upper aerodigestive tract perforations secondary to blunt trauma.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*