Esophageal Perforation
Esophageal Center at RWJ University Hospital New Brunswick
An esophageal perforation is a tear or hole in the lining of the esophagus created by an acute medical or trauma episode. When perforated, the contents of the esophagus can pass into the surrounding areas in the chest and cause infection. This condition is classified as a medical emergency and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
The main symptom of an esophageal perforation is pain when the problem first occurs. Symptoms can also include difficulty swallowing, chest pain and breathing problems.
Esophageal perforations can be caused by:
- Esophageal tumors
- Throat ulcers caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Accidentally swallowing a foreign object, chemical or acid compound
- Trauma or injury to the neck, chest or abdomen
- Violent vomiting
Treatments
Treatment of esophageal perforations is most successful within 24 hours of the occurrence. Without treatment, patients are at risk of developing serious complications, such as sepsis, myocardial infarction, and lung infections, or difficulty breathing or swallowing due to permanent narrowing of the esophagus. Small tears or holes in the upper esophagus may heal on their own; however, most perforations require an intervention to close the esophagus and prevent fluid from leaking into the chest or abdomen.
- Esophageal stenting is a procedure where a stent is placed endoscopically to both maintain the structure of the esophagus and aid in healing the perforation or tear.
- Endoscopic esophageal closure is a procedure where a perforation or tear is closed using endoscopic sutures or clips.
- Surgical esophageal repair would close the tear or perforation by stitching the hole closed or removing the portion of the esophagus that is damaged and reattaching it to the stomach.
Find out more about esophageal perforation care at the RWJUH Esophageal Center by calling 732-235-8970.
