Management of the cervical esophagus and hypofarinx perforations complicating anterior cervical spine surgery.

STUDY

DESIGN

Five cases of esophageal or pharyngeal perforation diagnosed during or after anterior cervical spine surgery are presented.

OBJECTIVE

To outline a protocol for the early diagnosis and treatment of iatrogenic pharyngoesophageal perforations.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pharyngoesophageal perforations after anterior cervical spine surgery are uncommon or rarely reported complications. They may have serious functional consequences, including death, if they are not diagnosed promptly and treated effectively. These potentially fatal conditions require a surgical and medical therapy.

METHODS

Clinical course, diagnostic tools and guidelines for the management of five patients presenting esophagopharingeal perforations are illustrated.

RESULTS

These five cases resulted in definitive healing of the laceration without functional consequences.

CONCLUSION

We believe that awareness of these complications and their causes, prompt recognition of the symptoms and immediate and multimodality therapies are essential tools to achieve successful results.