Abstract

Perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract are uncommon complications after performing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Perforations after an EGD procedure are likely to occur in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus, where endoscope passage is anatomically difficult. Life-threatening complications including mediastinitis, a mediastinal abscess, pericarditis and sepsis can develop in most cases of a perforation. However, without such fatal complications, an abscess that is localized at the neck is extremely rare following an esophageal perforation. We experienced a case of a localized abscess in the neck after EGD and successfully treated the abscess without surgical management. We emphasize the importance of early detection for neck space infections caused by EGD-induced injuries. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2008;37:203-206)

• Keywords: Neck, Abscess, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy