Hypopharyngeal or esophageal perforation in neonates

In spite of the many manipulations that are done in the upper airways of neonates, esophageal perforations are rare. But they may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated immediately. Along with a case history we present clinical and radiologic symptoms of a right sided pneumothorax and the feeding tube in the posterior phrenic recess. The principles of treatment are conservative with antibiotics and intravenous gavage feeding. Only with complications intensive radiography with contrast agents and surgery become necessary.