Citation

Scheinin SA, Wells PR. Tex. Heart Inst. J. 2001; 28(1): 65-68.

Affiliation

Department of Cardiovascular Sugery, Christus St Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas 77002, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Cardiovascular Surgical Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11330747

PMCID

PMC101136

Abstract

We present the case of a 59-year-old man who sustained an esophageal perforation as a result of sword swallowing. An esophagogram established the diagnosis, and surgical repair was attempted. However, 19 days later, a persistent leak and deterioration of the patient's condition necessitated a transhiatal esophagectomy with a left cervical esophagogastrostomy. The patient recovered and has resumed his daily activities at the circus, with the exception of sword swallowing. This case report presents an unusual mechanism for a potentially lethal injury. Our search of the English-language medical literature revealed no other report of esophageal perforation resulting from sword swallowing. Management of such an injury is often difficult, and a favorable outcome is dependent on prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Language: en