Oesophageal perforation complicating intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography: suspicion can save lives
Open Access
- 1 September 2010
- journal article
- case report
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery
- Vol. 11 (3), 380-382
- https://doi.org/10.1510/icvts.2010.233338
Abstract
Oesophageal injury is an extremely rare complication of intra-operative transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) associated with cardiac surgery. We report a case of delayed presentation (19 days after surgery) of oesophageal injury that was likely due to TOE following an aortic valve replacement. Lack of suspicion led to a delay in diagnosis but the patient fortunately survived. We advocate that in the event of postoperative hydropneumothorax, the differential diagnosis must include iatrogenic oesophageal injury from transoesophageal echo.Keywords
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