Hypopharyngeal perforation: an uncommon cause of pneumoperitoneum

• Published in: Emergency medicine journal : EMJ Vol. 18; no. 5; pp. 396 - 398
• Main Authors: Woodcock, S A A, Bird, H, Siriwardena, A K, Ellenbogen, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine 01.09.2001; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Abdomen; Adolescent; Case Report; Endoscopy; endotracheal intubation; Fatal Outcome; Humans; hypopharyngeal perforation; Hypopharynx - diagnostic imaging; Hypopharynx - injuries; Intubation; Intubation, Intratracheal - adverse effects; Male; Mortality; Pneumoperitoneum - diagnostic imaging; Pneumoperitoneum - etiology; Radiography; Tomography; Wounds, Penetrating - diagnostic imaging; Wounds, Penetrating - etiology
• ISSN: 1472-0205; 1472-0213
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.18.5.396

Endotracheal intubation is common practice being performed both electively and as an emergency. Complications of this procedure are uncommon. A case is described of hypopharyngeal rupture after emergency intubation that presented with a pneumoperitoneum. The clinical signs, relevant investigations and management options are discussed for this injury and the need is emphasised for a high index of suspicion in order to make an early diagnosis.