Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Apr 2004
Case Reports[Iatrogenic perforation of the esophagus during transesophageal echocardiography. A rare cause of severe dysphagia].
A 65-year-old patient underwent transesophageal echocardiography which caused a perforation of the upper esophagus. Three months after esophagostomy and gastrostomy the reconstruction was accomplished by a colon interposition graft. The patient postoperatively developed an ischemic necrosis of the graft, followed by a cervical fistula. Food intake and swallowing became impossible. ⋯ Transesophageal echocardiography is a common diagnostic procedure with a low complication rate. Even though serious complications may occur in rare cases, the patient must be informed about the risk. The perforation of the esophagus is an emergency situation that requires surgical treatment immediately. Primary reconstruction and preservation of the esophagus is the recommended strategy.