Table 1 Management options for oesophageal perforation
From: Distal thoracic oesophageal perforation secondary to blunt trauma: Case report
| Clinical picture | Management | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed presentation with minimal or no sepsis |
Non-operative Monitor in high care facility Resuscitation I/V antibiotics Parenteral or jejunal nutrition | 23 |
| Small perforation |
Tissue buttressing Mediastinal debridement I/V antibiotics Parenteral or jejunal nutrition | 6,24,25,26,27 |
| Large perforation |
Oesophageal T tube Mediastinal debridement I/V antibiotics Parenteral or jejunal nutrition | 24 |
| Large perforation and extensive contamination |
Cervical oesophagostomy Decompressive gastrostomy Gastro-oesophageal stapling Feeding jejunostomy I/V antibiotics | 24,28 |
| Perforation with pre-existing oesophageal disease or severely damaged oesophagus | Oesophagectomy | 28 |
