Conservative therapy of esophageal perforation with neck abscess in a child

Abstract

Conservative management of complicated esophageal perforations has gained favor in recent years. However, there are limited data concerning the applicability of this approach in the pediatric population. We describe the care and outcome of a 14-year-old girl who sustained an esophageal perforation after accidental ingestion of a shard of glass. The patient was treated using ultrasound-guided drainage catheter placement with simultaneous esophagoscopy and postoperative antibiotics. She was discharged within 1 week of presentation and enjoyed an uncomplicated recovery. We believe that selected cases of pediatric esophageal perforation may be safely and effectively treated using a conservative approach.