Surgical Esophageal Emergencies

Esophageal injuries are rare after chest trauma, but trauma surgeons are often called upon to manage acute esophageal injuries. Because of the unique anatomy and in particular its posterior thoracic position, esophageal injuries whether from traumatic or non-traumatic etiologies, pose an immediate risk to survival. Operatively, for the same reasons, they are very difficult to manage. Principles include early diagnosis, aggressive drainage, preferably primary repair if possible, and a coherent plan to manage the underlying pathology.