Management of hypopharyngeal and cervical oesophageal perforations

Background: Perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus are infrequent severe situations, which may even be life-threatening for patients. Methods: We review seven cases of intraluminal perforations of the hypopharynx or cervical oesophagus treated at our department between 1999 and 2001. Results: In this series of patients, foreign bodies were the main cause of perforation. In four cases, the treatment was surgical by means of a cervicotomy and/or thoracotomy and drainage; in the other three cases, conservative treatment was applied. In some cases, the morbidity was considerable but there were no mortalities. Conclusions: The treatment of perforations of the hypopharynx and the cervical oesophagus must be individualized and multidisciplinary. The early diagnosis of these perforations is an important factor for prognosis.