Table 2 Aetiology of esophageal perforation (in descending order of incidence) [ 4,14-16]
Children | Adults |
|---|---|
1) Iatrogenic (diagnostic or therapeutic instrumentation) | 1) Iatrogenic (diagnostic or therapeutic instrumentation) |
2) Lye burns | 2) Spontaneous (Boerhaave’s syndrome) |
3) Direct/Indirect trauma | 3) Foreign bodies |
4) Foreign bodies | 4) Penetrating trauma (m.c.- gunshot) |
5) Operative procedures in the area | 5) Malignant perforations |
6) Idiopathic | 6) Operative injury |
| Â | 7) Idiopathic |