Abstract

Esophageal submucosal dissection is a rare condition, resulting in the separation of the submucosa and muscle layer by mucosal laceration and bleeding. Possible causes are external trauma, foreign body entrapment, endoscopic instrumentation and even spontaneous dissection. Typical endoscopic findings show a false lumen from the torn mucosa and a muscle layer in the false lumen. Esophagography shows a "double barrelled" appearance. A dissection can be resolved with conservative management. We experienced a case of a submucosal dissection of the esophagus with perforation, an unusual complication of conscious sedation endoscopy. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2007;35:328-331)

• Keywords: Esophageal submucosal dissection, Conscious sedation endoscopy