A rare complication after thyroidectomy: esophageal perforation.

Abstract

A 67 year-old woman with recurrent multinodular goiter was admitted for bilateral near total thyroidectomy. On the postoperative period, a turbid fluid came from suction drain which was due to an esophageal perforation. Esophagoscopy and contrast computerized tomography revealed a perforation in the upper third part of the esophagus. Following nonoperative treatment by restricting oral intake, parenteral administration of antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition for 10 days, the patient has recovered and was discharged without any sequela. We discussed the cause of perforation according to the possible reasons frequently seen in the literature. Among iatrogenic reasons, unsuccessful intubation trials were more common than neck surgery. Key words: Esophagus, perforation, surgery, intubation, thyroidectomy