title: Esophageal perforation in a sword swallower.
abstract: We present the case of a 59-year-old man who sustained an esophageal perforation as a result of sword swallowing. An esophagogram established the diagnosis, and surgical repair was attempted. However, 19 days later, a persistent leak and deterioration of the patient's condition necessitated a transhiatal esophagectomy with a left cervical esophagogastrostomy. The patient recovered and has resumed his daily activities at the circus, with the exception of sword swallowing. This case report presents an unusual mechanism for a potentially lethal injury. Our search of the English-language medical literature revealed no other report of esophageal perforation resulting from sword swallowing. Management of such an injury is often difficult, and a favorable outcome is dependent on prompt diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Sugery, Christus St Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas 77002, USA.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Scheinin
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Wells
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016629:Esophagectomy; D004944:Esophagoplasty; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery