Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Factors affecting perforation of the esophagus in patients with deep neck infection
Shih-Lung Chen1,2, Chia-Ying Ho3,4, Shy-Chyi Chin3,5
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. rlong289@gmail.com.
Background:
Deep neck infection (DNI) is a serious disease that can lead to severe morbidity, including esophageal perforation, and mortality. However, no previous study has explored the risk factors associated with esophageal perforation in patients with DNI. This study investigated these factors.
Methods:
Between September 2015 and September 2021, 521 patients with DNI were studied. Relevant clinical variables and deep neck spaces were assessed.
Results:
In a multivariate analysis, involvement of the retropharyngeal space (OR 5.449, 95% CI 1.603-18.51, p = 0.006) and the presence of mediastinitis (OR 218.8, 95% CI 55.98-855.3, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with esophageal perforation in patients with DNI. There were no differences in pathogens between 32 patients with and 489 patients without esophageal perforation (all p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Involvement of the retropharyngeal space and the presence of mediastinitis were independent risk factors associated with esophageal perforation in patients with DNI. There were no differences in pathogens between the groups with and without esophageal perforation in DNI.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

