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Esophageal perforation repair is treatment to close a hole or tear in the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. A tear can allow saliva and other contents to leak into surrounding tissues. Treatment is urgent due to the risk of serious infection.
read more about esophageal perforation repair ...Leakage from the esophagus can inflame or infect the neck or chest. Closing the tear and controlling the leak help limit further injury. The treatment plan depends on the tear's location, size, cause, and the patient's condition.
Selected tears can be treated through an endoscope with clips or a stent. Other cases require surgery to close the opening and drain contaminated areas. The care team may also give antibiotics and provide nutrition while the esophagus heals.
Patients are monitored for continued leakage and infection. Food and drink by mouth may be restricted until the team determines that swallowing is safe. The length of recovery varies with the severity of the injury and the treatment used.
A repaired tear can leak again or heal with narrowing of the esophagus. Infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia are also possible. Severe cases may require another procedure.
Yes. A suspected perforation needs prompt medical evaluation due to the risk of infection in the chest or neck.
Sometimes. An endoscopic stent is an option for selected tears, while other injuries require an operation.
Usually not. The care team decides when oral intake can resume after assessing healing and the risk of leakage.
No. Treatment usually aims to close or contain the tear and drain contamination. Removal is reserved for selected severe situations.
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