title: Surgical repair of esophageal perforation in cirrhotic patients with varices.
abstract: A 51-year-old woman, a known alcohol abuser, had sclerotherapy for esophageal varices from portal hypertension. A perforation of the distal esophagus, diagnosed several days later, could not be closed primarily at thoracotomy due to extensive bleeding. The method of "exclusion and diversion in continuity" was modified by ligation of the esophagogastric junction with absorbable suture over a tube stent. The perforation healed and patency of the esophageal lumen was demonstrated 2 weeks later. This alternative life-saving procedure may be useful in chronic esophageal perforation, especially in cirrhotic or otherwise debilitated patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Pontiac, Mich 48341.
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Clouse
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takriti
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Just-Viera
mesh_terms: D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D016558:Hemostasis, Endoscopic; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D015911:Sclerotherapy; D015607:Stents; D013536:Suture Techniques