Iatrogenic esophageal perforation in infants: How to avoid thoracotomy? A case series

Riccardo Rizzo; Filomena Valentina Paradiso; Sara Silvaroli; Lorenzo Nanni

doi:10.47338/jns.v12.1181

Authors

Riccardo Rizzo Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A.Gemelli" IRCCS
Filomena Valentina Paradiso Pediatric Surgery Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Sara Silvaroli Pediatric Surgery Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Lorenzo Nanni Pediatric Surgery Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47338/jns.v12.1181

Keywords:

Esophageal perforation , Prematurity, Neonate

Abstract

Background: Esophageal perforation is uncommon and often iatrogenic in the neonatal period, with premature and low birth weight infants (<1500 g) being particularly susceptible. It usually occurs at the pharyngoesophageal junction and can be confused with esophageal atresia due to respiratory signs and excessive salivation. Diagnostic evaluation and treatment are still debated.

Case Presentation: Two neonatal cases of iatrogenic esophageal perforation are described. The suspected diagnosis was confirmed only with thoracotomy. Diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic modalities are discussed.

Conclusion: These two cases show the importance of the clinical clues (anamnesis and clinical findings) to suspect the diagnosis of esophageal perforation.

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