Complications Following Esophagoscopy
Categories:
INTRODUCTION OF THE ESOPHAGOSCOPE
Sources:
A Manual Of Peroral Endoscopy And Laryngeal Surgery
These are to be avoided in
large measure by the exercise of gentleness, care, and skill that are
acquired by practice. If the instructions herein given are followed,
esophagoscopy is absolutely without mortality apart from the
conditions for which it is done.
Injury to the crico-arytenoid joint may simulate recurrent paralysis.
Posticus paralysis may occur from recurrent or vagal pressure by a
misdirected esophagoscope. These conditions usually recover but may
persist. Perforation of the esophageal wall may cause death from
septic mediastinitis. The pleura may be entered,--pyopneumothorax will
result and demand immediate thoracotomy and gastrostomy. Aneurysm of
the aorta may be ruptured. Patients with tuberculosis, decompensating
cardiovascular lesions, or other advanced organic disease, may have
serious complications precipitated by esophagoscopy.