Endoscopic treatment of latrogenic esophageal perforation

Background: Esophageal perforations are the most frequent complications of endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Life-threatening consequence s such as mediastinitis, septic disease, or multiple organ failure are poss ible. Traditional surgical and conservative methods of treatment should be distinguished. In serious cases, thoracotomy in particular is a high-risk o peration. Patients and Results: This case demonstrates the successful endos copic treatment of an esophageal perforation with mediastinal empyema by fi brin gluing. Conclusions: Esophageal perforations up to 20 cm aboral and a maximum diameter of 1.5 cm could be treated by rigid endoscopical fibrin gl uing. High-risk patients could be managed effectively avoiding extensive su rgery.