Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Image Acquisition using Portable Sonography for Emergency Airway Management
Published on: September 28, 2022
Oesophageal perforation complicating intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography: suspicion can save lives
Hany Elsayed1, Richard Page, Seema Agarwal
1Department of Cardiothoracic, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK. Hany.el-sayed@lhch.nhs.uk
Abstract:
Oesophageal injury is an extremely rare complication of intra-operative transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) associated with cardiac surgery. We report a case of delayed presentation (19 days after surgery) of oesophageal injury that was likely due to TOE following an aortic valve replacement. Lack of suspicion led to a delay in diagnosis but the patient fortunately survived. We advocate that in the event of postoperative hydropneumothorax, the differential diagnosis must include iatrogenic oesophageal injury from transoesophageal echo.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
