[Esophageal injury following blunt thoracic trauma. A case report and review of the literature].
The aim of this article was to raise the awareness of the difficulties physicians face in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal perforation following blunt thoracic trauma. We present a case of esophagus perforation following blunt chest trauma in the course of a motorcycle accident. Within 24 h the patient was admitted to the University hospital, and presented with progressive pain, subfebrile temperature, leukocytosis and pneumomediastinum. Emergency surgery revealed extensive esophageal lesions. A two-stage surgical approach was chosen with initial resection and temporary closure of the esophagus. After 2 months the integrity of the esophagus could be restored without complications.
Trauma Surgical Unit, National Trauma Centre, University Central Military Hospital, Rr. Lord Bajron, Laprake, Tirana, Albania. myftartorba@yahoo.com
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Torba
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Baumbach
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Gjata
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Buci
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Faber
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Subashi
D000293:Adolescent; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*