Oesophageal rupture

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Abstract
Oesophageal perforation is a rare but catastrophic event which can occur through a variety of insults. The risks of external trauma are low because of the mediastinal position of the oesophagus but the escalating availability of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and associated instrumentation has resulted in an increase in iatrogenic damage which now accounts for the majority of injuries. Oesophageal perforation carries a high morbidity and mortality because of the difficulty of access to the oesophagus, the unusual blood supply, the lack of a strong serosal layer and the proximity of vital structures. Added to this, clinicians gain limited exposure to these cases because of their rarity.

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