Diagnosis of penetrating cervical esophageal injuries

doi:10.1016/0002-9610(87)90228-5

The American Journal of Surgery

Volume 154, Issue 6, December 1987, Pages 619-622

https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9610(87)90228-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

Arterial injuries pose the greatest early threat to the patient with penetrating neck trauma and esophageal injuries, the greatest late threat. Clinical evaluation reliably identifies 80 percent of esophageal injuries, which, in our opinion, is not adequate. In 118 minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic patients with penetrating neck trauma, the combination of esophagography with esophagoscopy identified all 10 esophageal injuries in 118 patients with penetrating neck trauma. These data suggest that patients with penetrating neck trauma and minimal clinical findings should be initially evaluated with arteriography and esophagography. If the results of arteriography or esophagography are positive, then neck exploration should be performed. If the results of esophagography are equivocal, then rigid esophagoscopy should be performed. If all test results are negative, then observation is justified.

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^☆: Presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Surgical Congress, Coronado, California, April 26–29, 1987.

¹: From the Departments of Surgery and Radiology, Southwestern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas.

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Scientific paperDiagnosis of penetrating cervical esophageal injuries☆

Abstract

J Vase Surg

Am J Surg

Am J Surg

Am J Surg

Am J Surg

The necessity of mandatory exploration of penetrating zone II neck injuries

Surgery

A critical appraisal of a mandatory exploration policy for penetrating wounds of the neck

Surg Gynecol Obstet

Selective management of penetrating neck injuries

Arch Surg

Scientific paper
Diagnosis of penetrating cervical esophageal injuries☆