Liao et al evaluated nonoperative management of esophageal perforations associated with a foreign body. Most cases can be managed safely without surgery, but some are at greater risk of infection. The authors are from Nanchang University in China.
Patient selection: esophageal perforation associated with a foreign body
Most perforations were in the cervical esophagus.
Management: endoscopic retrieval of the foreign body
Risk factors for infection:
(1) age >= 66 years (OR 2.20)
(2) male sex (OR 1.93)
(3) number of days to treatment (OR 1.13 per day)
Perforation by a fishbone was associated with reduced risk of infection (OR 0.56).
Early intervention can reduce the risk of infection and improve patient outcomes.
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