[Perforation of the esophagus by gastric tubes (author's transl)]

Esophageal lesions caused by gastric tubes are not rare nowadays. Perforation at the physiologically narrow sites of the esophagus is a wellknown mechanism as is the use of inflexible polyethylen tubes containing a mandrin. Within 12 months perforation of the esophagus caused by gastric probes occurred in four patients of our intensive care unit. Clinical symptoms, diagnostic procedures and therapy of this complication are discussed, especially emphysizing the need of early diagnosis. The extent of complications arising from and the process of healing of this iatrogenic lesions depend upon the localization of the lesion and ypon early diagnosis.