Successful endoscopic band ligation of esophageal perforation by fish bone ingestion

Acute esophageal perforations by foreign body ingestion result in complications such as mediastinitis and retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal abscesses. Because the mortality of esophageal perforation is up to 22%, immediate treatment is critical. Herein, we report a case of successful endoscopic band ligation of esophageal perforation. A 68-year-old man was admitted complaining of substernal pain and dysphagia after ingesting a fish bone. Immediately emergency endoscopy was performed, and the fish bone was observed lodged in the lower esophagus. Although the fish bone was easily removed by an endoscopic rat-tooth forceps, esophageal perforation was found after the procedure. Endoscopic band ligation for perforation was performed. Initial chest computed tomography (CT) showed pneumomediastinum and local inflammation, but follow-up CT showed improved pneumomediastinum. The patient was given oral nutrition 2 weeks after procedure, and he was discharged without any complications. This case report emphasizes for the first time the availability of immediate endoscopic band ligation for acute esophageal perforation.