CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 61-year-old lady with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) who underwent TOE with subsequent presentation of odynophagia with left neck swelling. An upper endoscopy examination was inconclusive; however, a contrasted computed tomography of the neck showed evidence of cervical oesophageal perforation. She was managed conservatively and discharged well.
DISCUSSION: The trauma caused by TOE probe insertion and manipulation accounts for most of the upper gastrointestinal complications. Mortality of patients associated with oesophageal perforation can be up to 20% and doubled if the treatment is delayed for more than 24 h. Mechanism of injury from TOE probe is likely multifactorial. Predisposing factors that increase the risk of tissue disruption include the presence of unknown structural pathology. Imaging studies and an upper endoscopy examination may aid in the diagnosis of oesophageal perforation.
CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion, coupled with a tailored, multidisciplinary approach, is essential to achieve the best possible outcome. Conservative management may be worthwhile in a stable patient despite delayed presentation. Although TOE is considered a safe procedure, physicians should be made aware of such a dreaded complication.
METHODS: Fifty-five patients with achalasia cardia who underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy between 2010 and 2019 were enrolled. The adverse events and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Overall patient satisfaction was also reviewed.
RESULTS: The mean operative time was 144.1 ± 38.33 min with no conversions to open surgery in this series. Intraoperative adverse events occurred in 7 (12.7%) patients including oesophageal mucosal perforation (n = 4), superficial liver injury (n = 1), minor bleeding from gastro-oesophageal fat pad (n = 1) & aspiration during induction requiring bronchoscopy (n = 1). Mean time to normal diet intake was 3.2 ± 2.20 days. Mean postoperative stay was 4.9 ± 4.30 days and majority of patients (n = 46; 83.6%) returned to normal daily activities within 2 weeks after surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 18.8 ± 13.56 months. Overall, clinical success (Eckardt ≤ 3) was achieved in all 55 (100%) patients, with significant improvements observed in all elements of the Eckardt score. Thirty-seven (67.3%) patients had complete resolution of dysphagia while the remaining 18 (32.7%) patients had some occasional dysphagia that was tolerable and did not require re-intervention. Nevertheless, all patients reported either very satisfied or satisfied and would recommend the procedure to another person.
CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and anterior Dor is both safe and effective as a definitive treatment for treating achalasia cardia. It does have a low rate of oesophageal perforation but overall has a high degree of patient satisfaction with minimal complications.