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[Pharyngeal and esophageal perforations in newborn infants]
Insights
Pharyngeal and esophageal perforations in newborns can result from medical procedures. Non-surgical treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, and parenteral nutrition led to successful healing in all cases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Iatrogenic pharyngeal and esophageal perforations are rare but serious complications in neonates.
- These injuries can occur during obstetric procedures, feeding, or airway management.
Observation:
- Three newborn infants presented with respiratory distress and right-sided pneumothorax.
- The perforations were linked to obstetric digital manipulation, orogastric tubes, or endotracheal tubes.
Findings:
- All three patients received medical management, including antibiotics, antifungal therapy, and total parenteral nutrition.
- Complete healing of the pharyngeal and esophageal perforations was achieved without surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Conservative medical management can be effective for iatrogenic neonatal esophageal and pharyngeal perforations.
- This highlights the importance of careful technique during neonatal procedures to prevent such injuries.
- Non-operative treatment strategies should be considered in managing these rare neonatal complications.
Abstract:
In three newborn infants pharyngeal or esophageal perforations were due to injury caused by the obstetrician's finger in the infant's mouth to help deliver the head, by orogastric feeding tube, or by endotracheal tube. They all had in common respiratory distress and right-sided pneumothorax. The patients were treated medically with antibiotics, antifungal therapy and total parenteral nutrition. All perforations healed without surgical repair.