[Intramural esophageal abscesses]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Intramural abscesses of the oesophagus are uncommon complications.
• Foreign body ingestion can lead to nonpenetrating esophageal injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the occurrence and management of intramural esophageal abscesses.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes for patients with esophageal foreign bodies causing intramural abscesses.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 377 patients with esophageal foreign bodies.
• Review of cases with diagnosed intramural abscesses.
• Assessment of treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• 12 out of 377 patients (3.2%) developed intramural esophageal abscesses.
• 11 patients with small abscesses achieved recovery with conservative management.
• One patient with a large abscess in the thoracic esophagus underwent successful resection and esophagoplasty.

Conclusions:

• Conservative treatment is effective for small intramural esophageal abscesses.
• Esophageal resection with esophagoplasty is the preferred surgical approach for extensive abscesses.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in esophageal foreign body complications.