MANAGEMENT OF LOWER ESOPHAGEAL & GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION PERFORATIONS- OUR EXPERIENCE & LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Esophageal perforation is a challenging and potentially deadly disease process. Diagnosis can be delayed or missed despite optimal imaging, and symptoms are often nonspecific. The optimal treatment strategy continues to be debated among thoracic surgeons, adding to the therapeutic challenge that this disease process presents. While surgery remains the gold standard for treatment, less invasive and endoscopic methods are being explored, and their role is evolving.

We present two cases of esophageal perforation- one due to boerhaave’s syndrome and other, following heller’s myotomy. Treatment modalities for both the conditions are discussed in detail. Apart from discussing the possible etiologies, we also explore surgical and non-surgical methods of management of esophageal perforation as well as the new techniques used for repair of esophageal perforation and their efficacy. 

Keywords: Heller's Myotomy, Esophageal Perforation, Management of Perforation