Open AccessAlarming Pneumomediastinum but Benign Outcome: a Case Report on Oesophageal Perforation by Foreign Body
Author(s) -
Chung CH
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/102490790401100408
Subject(s) - pneumomediastinum , medicine , subcutaneous emphysema , foreign body , fish bone , surgery , perforation , foreign bodies , complication , endoscopy , dysphagia , general surgery , punching , materials science , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , metallurgy , biology
A case of oesophageal perforation after endoscopic removal of foreign body is described. A 50‐year‐old female had a sharp fish bone impacted in the cervical oesophagus. After dislodging the bone at endoscopy, she developed neck pain and swelling. Chest X‐ray showed alarming pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. However, there was no leakage in the water‐soluble contrast swallow. She was successfully managed conservatively. Early recognition and proper management of such a well‐known complication are important to lower morbidity, especially in view of the fact that endoscopic removal of swallowed foreign bodies is being performed on an outpatient basis in some emergency departments. Special precaution should be given to sharp foreign bodies lodged at the cervical oesophagus.