A Case of an Esophageal Foreign Body with Iatrogenic Esophageal Perforation Caused by the Gag Reflex / 대한내과학회지

Esophageal foreign bodies are a common clinical problem; they can be removed via endoscopic intervention. However, sharp foreign bodies, such as fish bones, stuck in a physiological or pathological stenosis of the esophagus can sometimes lead to esophageal perforation. This can even lead to fatal complications, such as empyema, mediastinitis, esophago-tracheal fistula, and peritonitis. Consequently, during an endoscopic procedure, special precautions and protective devices are required. Here, we report the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with an esophageal impacted fish bone with iatrogenic esophageal perforation caused by the gag reflex during endoscopic removal. She was treated successfully with surgery and antibiotics. The case highlights the need for sufficient sedation of the patient and attention by clinicians to achieve successful treatment without complications.

A Case of Aspiration Pneumonia with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Following Aspiration of Polyethylene Glycol Solution Treated by Bronchoalveolar Lavage / 대한내과학회지

Colonoscopy requires adequate cleaning of the entire colon. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a popular laxative regimen because of the ease of applicability and optimal bowel preparation results. Although the safety and efficacy of this solution is well established, serious complications from the bowel PEG-cleansing procedure have been reported. Here, we report a case of a 79-year-old male who developed aspiration pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome after administration of PEG by mouth before a scheduled colonoscopy. He was treated successfully with bronchoalveolar lavage and corticosteroids.