Management of hypopharyngeal and cervical oesophageal perforations

Background: Perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus are infrequent severe situations, which may even be life-threatening for patients. Methods: We review seven cases of intraluminal perforations of the hypopharynx or cervical oesophagus treated at our department between 1999 and 2001. Results: In this series of patients, foreign bodies were the main cause of perforation. In four cases, the treatment was surgical by means of a cervicotomy and/or thoracotomy and drainage; in the other three cases, conservative treatment was applied. In some cases, the morbidity was considerable but there were no mortalities. Conclusions: The treatment of perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus must be individualized and multidisciplinary. The early diagnosis of these perforations is an important factor for prognosis. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.