title: Management of post dilatation oesophageal perforation: an experience from a tertiary centre.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Treatment of oesophageal perforation remains controversial. This study shows that native oesophagus should be preserved. Early recognition improves survival.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of management of post dilatation oesophageal perforation in a tertiary centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1999 and 2007, 35 patients with oesophageal perforation following dilatation were treated. Post dilatation corrosive stricture perforations constituted the major aetiology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four (69%) underwent early intervention (< 24 hours) and the remaining 11 (31%) were late (>24 hours). The 30-day mortality was found to be 9%, and mean hospital stay was 14 ± 14.7 days. Comparing outcomes between early and late groups, statistically significant difference was observed, with increased mortality (p=0.001) and hospital stay (p=0.001) following late intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early intervention decreases mortality and hospital stay in oesophageal perforation and preservation of oesophagus may be attempted, as native oesophagus is the best conduit.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Surgical Gastroenterology, Centre for GI bleed & Division of Hepato Biliary Pancreatic Diseases, Gastroenterology Block, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: Anbalagan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Amudhan
authors.forename: Tirupporur Govindaswamy
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Balachandar
authors.forename: Shanmugasundaram
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajendran
authors.forename: Vellayudham
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vimalraj
authors.forename: Govindhasamy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rajarathinam
authors.forename: Palanisamy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ravichandran
authors.forename: Satyanesan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jeswant
authors.forename: Devy Gounder
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Kannan
authors.forename: Rajagopal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Surendran
keywords: Dilatation; Early intervention; Oesophagus; Perforation