Nonoperative management of esophageal perforation secondary to balloon dilatation

Abstract

Esophageal perforation is usually considered a surgical emergency. However, esophageal perforation after therapeutic endoscopic manipulation is a different entity. This type of perforation occurs in a controlled environment and the perforation is usually detected early. Three documented cases of perforation during endoscopic balloon dilatation are described. They were successfully treated nonoperatively. © 1993 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.