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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
05:12
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
A rare complication after thyroidectomy: esophageal perforation.
Gokhan Akbulut1, Semra Gunay1, Acar Aren1
1Adnan Menderes University, Department Of General Surgery, Aydın, Turkey
Summary
A rare esophageal perforation occurred after thyroidectomy. Nonoperative management led to full recovery, highlighting intubation as a potential iatrogenic cause.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure.
- Complications can arise, including rare esophageal injuries.
- Recurrent multinodular goiter necessitates careful surgical planning.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old woman developed an esophageal perforation post-thyroidectomy.
- Turbid fluid from a surgical drain indicated the complication.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed upper esophageal perforation.
Findings:
- Nonoperative management, including restricted oral intake, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition, was successful.
- The patient recovered fully without sequelae.
- Esophageal perforation is a rare but serious complication of neck surgery and intubation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing esophageal perforation after thyroidectomy.
- Nonoperative treatment can be effective for select cases.
- Iatrogenic causes, particularly intubation difficulties, should be considered in esophageal perforations.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
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01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
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01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...