Abstract
Esophageal perforation is a catastrophic complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). While direct surgical repair has been reported as optimal for restoration of upper gut function, we present the case of a 58-year-old woman who achieved complete resolution when treated only with debridement and drainage. We find that a supportive approach, surgical management without direct repair, may play a vital role in select patient populations in order to avoid potentially long-term consequences or radical treatments, like esophageal diversion. Decisions regarding direct repair versus debridement and inspection only should be made on a case-by-case basis through a multidisciplinary approach.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Acta Neurochirurgica |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - Dec 16 2017 |
Keywords
- Anterior cervical fusion
- Management esophageal injury
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Clinical Neurology