Oesophageal perforations: an experience with 120 cases [1974-1987]

ABSTRACT

In this article the experience with the different types of esophageal perforation encountered at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit of Alexandria University during the period from June 1974 through August 1987, is presented. Throughout this period 120 cases of esophageal perforation due to various causes were studied with regard to their incidence, etiology, diagnosis and management. The commonest cause of esophageal perforation in the present series was esophageal instrumentation intended for dilatation of caustic esophageal strictures