Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2025
04:14
Author Spotlight: Recent Advancements in Reoperative Foregut Surgery
Published on: September 22, 2023
528
Esophageal Stab Wounds Repaired Endoscopically: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Ariana R Tagliaferri1, Minha Naseer1, Shoaib Azam2
1Internal Medicine, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Paterson, USA.
Cureus
|April 3, 2023
Summary
Penetrating trauma rarely causes esophageal injuries, but early endoscopic diagnosis and treatment are crucial for thoracic esophageal injuries, which have higher mortality than cervical injuries.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Medicine
Background:
- Esophageal injuries are predominantly iatrogenic, stemming from endoscopic or surgical interventions.
- Penetrative or blunt trauma to the esophagus is uncommon but can lead to severe complications.
Observation:
- A case involving a patient with multiple stab wounds to the neck is presented.
- Initial surgical repair for hemorrhagic shock did not address an underlying thoracic esophageal injury.
Findings:
- The thoracic esophageal injury was ultimately diagnosed and successfully treated using endoscopy.
- Contrast studies are common for diagnosis, but direct endoscopic visualization is less frequent.
- Endoscopic treatment is underutilized, even when the diagnosis is made via endoscopy.
Implications:
- Early detection of esophageal injuries, regardless of cause, is critical for patient outcomes.
- Thoracic esophageal injuries carry a higher mortality rate compared to cervical injuries.
- Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment offer a viable, though less common, management strategy for esophageal trauma.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
109
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:
109
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
125
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
125
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
202
Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
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...
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...
202
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
273
An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
273
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
237
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
237
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
141
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....
141