A Deep Neck Infection Due to Esophageal Perforation That Was Caused by Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Korean J Gastrointest Endosc > Volume 38(4); 2009 > Article

Korean Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2009;38(4): 205-209.

상부 위장관 내시경 후 발생한 식도천공에 의한 심부 경부감염증

심성곤ㆍ이항락ㆍ이강녕ㆍ이오영ㆍ윤병철ㆍ최호순ㆍ함준수ㆍ태경*

한양대학교 의과대학 내과학교실, *이비인후과교실

A Deep Neck Infection Due to Esophageal Perforation That Was Caused by Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Sung Gon Shim, M.D., Hang Rak Lee, M.D., Kang Nyeong Lee, M.D., Oh Young Lee, M.D., Byung Chul Yoon, M.D., Ho Soon Choi, M.D., Joon Soo Hahm, M.D. and Kyung Tae, M.D.*

Departments of Internal Medicine and *Otolaryngology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a very commonly performed procedure. Physicians use it as a safe diagnostic tool to evaluate patients with a wide range of problems and complaints, but it can cause several complications in few cases. Esophageal perforation is a rare complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, but it is associated with a relatively high mortality rate. Surgical management is required in most such cases. However, medical treatment can be considered for selected patients who are without a large perforation or systemic effects such as sepsis. Deep neck abscess can develop in patients who have had difficult intubations, and this may be related to retropharyngeal trauma or unapparent perforations. We experienced a case of deep neck infection due to an esophageal perforation that developed as a complication of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and we successfully treated this patient with incision and drainage. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2009;38:205-209)

Key Words: Deep neck infection, Esophageal perforation, Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

주요어: 심부 경부감염증, 식도 천공, 상부 위장관 내시경